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Old 04-28-2015, 02:13 PM   #1
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Hitch / Ball Lubrication

Regarding lubrication of the hitch ball and sway bar balls if you have them...

A mechanic at the RV parts store recommended we use a bit of wheel bearing grease on the hitch ball and the sway bar balls before each trip.

He also said DON'T use lithium grease and DON'T get grease on the sway bar blades.

Our plan is to take a rag and clean these ball connections off and then add a small amount of new grease before each trip.

Just wondering what others do to lube these points on their hitch and what might be a good way to protect from dirt, sand, etc. at the camp site and storage.
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Old 04-28-2015, 02:28 PM   #2
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I smear some regular gun grease inside the coupler and inside the sway bar cups every now and then. When I notice the ball is not as greasy as it once was, I do it again! About every four times out.
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Old 04-28-2015, 10:36 PM   #3
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My hitch has zerk fittings where the sway bars go in. I pump them full until it starts to ooze out the bottom. It gets cleaned once a year... maybe. I put a blob of grease on the trailer ball whenever it looks dry. I use the tub stuff, I just turn the tub over the ball and smear some on.

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Old 04-28-2015, 11:08 PM   #4
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I put a blob of grease on the trailer ball whenever it looks dry. I use the tub stuff, I just turn the tub over the ball and smear some on.
Aaron
And then you go & get something out of the back of the truck & get it smeared on you pants. ..................Yea been there done that a time or two.
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Old 04-29-2015, 12:26 AM   #5
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And then you go & get something out of the back of the truck & get it smeared on you pants. ..................Yea been there done that a time or two.
I swipe tennis balls from the local country club to cover the ball...

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Old 04-29-2015, 02:52 PM   #6
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I cut a water bottle 20oz to fit over ball when not in use.
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Old 04-29-2015, 02:57 PM   #7
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I swipe tennis balls from the local country club to cover the ball...

Aaron
Oh... right! I've seen those being used. Now I get why...
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Old 04-30-2015, 02:11 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by wahoonc View Post
My hitch has zerk fittings where the sway bars go in. I pump them full until it starts to ooze out the bottom. It gets cleaned once a year... maybe. I put a blob of grease on the trailer ball whenever it looks dry. I use the tub stuff, I just turn the tub over the ball and smear some on.

Aaron
What is the tub stuff and where do you buy it? I've been to home depot and walmart so far looking for a little tub of wheel bearing grease. No luck...

Maybe I'm over-thinking this. I dunno. I'm going to try the auto parts stores next. It seems to me any high-temp, high pressure grease would be good for the hitch ball and weight dist. spring-bar cups.

Ken
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Old 04-30-2015, 02:16 PM   #9
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You can get tubs of grease at most auto parts and farm supply stores - basically looks sort of like a small coffee can - peel the lid off and there you go...
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Old 04-30-2015, 02:49 PM   #10
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What is the tub stuff and where do you buy it? I've been to home depot and walmart so far looking for a little tub of wheel bearing grease. No luck...

Maybe I'm over-thinking this. I dunno. I'm going to try the auto parts stores next. It seems to me any high-temp, high pressure grease would be good for the hitch ball and weight dist. spring-bar cups.

Ken
Walmart... or an auto parts store. I have two tubs, one is waterproof marine grease that is blue or red depending on the brand. Then I have a couple cans of brown Quaker State stuff, it has to be old a 1# can was less than a dollar according to the price tag on it. I use that on my vintage bicycles because it is compatible with the oil bath hubs that are on them.

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Old 04-30-2015, 02:52 PM   #11
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Or you can be picky and go to Amazon and order Towpower Hitch Ball Lube by Reese about $12.00.....
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Old 05-01-2015, 12:42 AM   #12
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You can get tubs of grease at most auto parts and farm supply stores - basically looks sort of like a small coffee can - peel the lid off and there you go...
We stopped at an AutoZone store and bought some general purpose wheel bearing/chassis grease made by Valvoline.

I don't believe the type of grease is important other than it be heavy enough to do the job under prolonged high pressure. Wd40 or silicone sprays would wear off in minutes. Grease rated for wheel bearings is perfect.

We'll apply a bit of grease wherever there's metal to metal contact and movement. That means the receiver ball and the spring bars on our trunnion-style WD hitch where they insert into the head under the ball. Also the balls where the sway bar attaches but *not* the sway bar itself.

I know it will be messy. Looks great on my clothes haha! But I think it will pay off in quieter, safer towing and longer-lasting hitch parts.

Ken
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Old 05-01-2015, 09:49 AM   #13
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For something like hitches, the fact it has lube is more important that what brand/type/color of grease it is. I prefer the waterproof marine style when I can find it. Around here just about everything it geared towards trucks and tractors, leftovers get used on the trailers and bicycles.

I have several old Raleigh 3 speeds that have the oil bath hubs, I caught grief from some purists for using Rotella 5w-40 diesel oil in the hubs. But when you buy by the 55 gallon drum you run what ya brung.

Aaron
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