I recently wrapped up front end work on a vehicle and had a fight with the grease fittings. The ball joints and tie rods came with new Zerk fittings which I installed. Once each piece was in place, I proceeded to top them off with grease. Unfortunately, I had a couple of pieces that would not take grease. Instead, the grease would flow outside of the fitting as if the grease gun hadn't been attached. I reattempted each a couple of time, being certain to remove the grease gun end, check to ensure the fitting was clean, and trying again.

The ball joints came with 90º Zerk fittings which I replaced with 45º fittings as the 90º fittings were impossible to reach. One of the 45º fittings worked great, while the other wouldn't take grease. I replaced it with another 45º and the grease flowed. Meanwhile, I tested the original 45º by plugging it directly into the grease gun. Sure enough, the grease flowed without issue.

What gives? I have two more new fittings that won't take grease. One is on a tie rod and the other is on a sway bar link.

 

I've had a couple that were reluctant.... sometimes, if you just poke the little ball down with a pointy stick, it will adjust their attitude, other times.... yep, replace the zerk.

 

That's what I was thinking. I'll give it a shot.