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badkat · 03-09-2018, 03:51 PM

We are full-time and have towed for five years with a 2003 Hensley 1000 lbs. One of the zerk nipples has sheared off so we have to replace it. The hitch still works. So we have talked to Hensley and can get the part but we are average mechanical.

We are now in Georgetown, TX and looking for some maintenance on our hitch. It does not have to be in this area of TX or maybe NM where we are going next. I am a hands on person and just do not know how to fix this..afraid to just take it apart.

Any suggestions?

dznf0g · 03-09-2018, 04:12 PM

I assume it is the spring loaded nipple on the inner end of the zerk fitting, right? That is a consumable maintenance item. Replace both and carry a spare. Loosen the lock nut and screw the whole assembly out. Thread the new one in, while holding the spring bar in its bushing. Keep screwing the retainer body in until the nipple is engaged in the slot in the spring bar. Lift the Jack end of the spring bar and continue to screw the retainer body in until the threaded body bottoms out against the spring bar. Back the body out about 1 to 1.5 turns and lock the jamb nut down. Grease 'er up and carry on.

badkat · 03-09-2018, 04:39 PM

Ours is off on the outside and having a hard time understanding..will read a few more times.

dznf0g · 03-09-2018, 04:40 PM

Off on the outside? Don't know what you mean. Picture?

badkat · 03-09-2018, 05:01 PM

Ok!

badkat · 03-09-2018, 06:16 PM

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dznf0g · 03-09-2018, 06:23 PM

So the zerk just snapped Off? That's very odd.

badkat · 03-09-2018, 06:25 PM

Campers Clinic II just dropped our trailer on its spring bars and said someone went over our hitch and it was fine ..now we have this.

DaveP · 03-09-2018, 06:36 PM

Loosen the nut on the zerk fitting. Go to Home Depot and get a bolt extraction tool like this https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bosch-Sc...215/203598110.. Follow the instructions on the extractor kit to remove the zerk fitting. Put in a new one.

dznf0g · 03-09-2018, 07:15 PM

Um, the whole fitting was $16 last time I bought them. Probably not worth messing with, since OP said they are quit old and presumably a lot of miles. At 14 years, it probably due for a teardown and full maintenance.

dznf0g · 03-09-2018, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badkat

Campers Clinic II just dropped our trailer on its spring bars and said someone went over our hitch and it was fine ..now we have this.

Oh yeah, I read that. Bet they hit it. Grease zerks just don't break by themselves.

badkat · 03-09-2018, 07:17 PM

Where?

dznf0g · 03-09-2018, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badkat

Where?

From Hensley, but that was in 2011 or 2012.

badkat · 03-09-2018, 07:23 PM

Would you just buy another brand new?

dznf0g · 03-09-2018, 07:24 PM

https://www.hensleymfg.com/product/h...rease-fitting/

Yes, replace both and get a third for a road spare.
$16.75 ea

badkat · 03-09-2018, 07:38 PM

So you would not look to buying a newish hitch?

dznf0g · 03-09-2018, 07:39 PM

I bought an old used one, like yours, rebuilt it and repainted. Yours is fine, from what I can see in the pic. Probably time for a rebuild. Will cost 2 or 3 hundred, if you do it yourself.

dznf0g · 03-09-2018, 07:47 PM

However, I forgot you're a full timer...that could complicate things for you. I think hensle y has a trade in program...or sell yours for 6 to 8 hundred and buy a propride

badkat · 03-09-2018, 08:34 PM

We like our Hensley..just need to figure out how to get it some maintenance.

dznf0g · 03-09-2018, 08:37 PM

There's gotta be a fellow forum member somewhere down where you are who can rebuild for you. There's a lot of labor involved, so be prepared to compensate. Pretty much a full day job for someone who has done it before.