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How to Use a Grease Gun on Your Vehicle

If you’re hearing strange noises in your suspension when you turn or drive over bumps, you may need to reapply grease to suspension parts on your vehicle. If done as a part of regular maintenance, this can help ensure continual smooth operation and extend the life of components. Using a grease gun is usually a quick, easy process, even if you’ve never greased your suspension components before. All you’ll need to do this yourself is a grease gun and the proper grease for your application. If you complete this task at manufacturer-recommended intervals, joints will stay lubricated and protected from unnecessary friction and galling that can come as a result of water, dirt and debris intrusion.

What Type of Grease Do I Need?

Purple automotive grease

For chassis, steering and suspension components, multi-purpose greases can be used, but other applications will require you to determine the temperature and pressure ranges for your equipment. You may also need to consider choosing a biodegradable grease if your vehicle or machinery is operated where environmental or food contamination is a concern. Some other specific types of grease are:
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High-Temperature Wheel Bearing Grease

High-temperature wheel bearing grease features both high temperature and high-pressure ratings for use on wheel bearings, including disc brake wheel bearings and heavy-duty chassis components.

High-Temperature Greases

Machinery with internal components that reach especially high temperatures will often require grease with high-temperature protection, and are often made with a lithium complex base to withstand higher temperatures and prevent wear.

Low-Temperature Greases

Low-temperature greases most often use anhydrous calcium bases, which work better to resist water contamination and do a better job protecting components in cold environments where vehicles or machinery operate in temperatures below freezing.

High-Pressure Grease

Machinery with internal components under high pressure will require high-pressure greases like moly or heavy-duty grease, often made with lithium or urea bases to withstand high temperatures and pressures to reduce the risk of damage during operation.

Synthetic Grease

Synthetic grease is formulated to protect parts under a wider range of operating conditions. Formulated from a synthetic base, a variety of these grease options are available for chassis components, wheel bearings and U-joints.

Marine Grease

Marine greases are made for marine applications and boat trailers that require lubrication that withstands water contamination and dilution. These greases are often made with anhydrous calcium, calcium sulfonate or lithium complex bases to function in both saltwater and freshwater.

Food-Grade Grease

Food-grade grease is formulated specifically to prevent contamination and illness if it makes incidental contact with food during processing. It must meet strict safety guidelines, and typically requires selection based on exact temperature ranges, operational needs, and proper agency certification.

What Kind of Grease Gun Do I Need?

Expert technicians are preventive maintenance, of the control cabinet set, solar panel adjustment system according to the sun, Grease compression at steel joints for good lubrication

There are three different types of grease guns available, with different features and benefits to consider based on how and where you’ll be using the tool most often. Each grease gun type utilizes a specific service fitting, often called a Zerk fitting, that is designed to open to allow the flow of grease when the grease gun head is attached, and to close when it’s removed.
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Manual Grease Guns

Manual grease guns are operated by hand with a pistol grip or a lever, and are generally the most affordable and easiest to use.

Electric Grease Guns

Electric grease guns are operated with the push of a button or trigger, and are most commonly powered by low-voltage rechargeable batteries. These are a great option in situations where the grease gun is used for long periods of time to reduce hand fatigue, but likely aren’t necessary for DIY projects.

Pneumatic Grease Guns

Pneumatic grease guns are also operated with the push of a button or trigger, but are powered by air pressure, which eliminates the downtime for recharging.

Electric and pneumatic grease guns allow for more efficient use and help to reduce fatigue, which make them ideal for environments that are higher-volume or where time is more of a factor.


How Do I Load a Grease Gun?

Grease guns must be filled with grease before use, either by loading the grease gun with grease from a container or using a grease cartridge. Setting up and loading your grease gun properly can help ensure a successful suspension service.


Loading a Grease Gun with a Cartridge

Our O’Reilly expert removes the head of a Power Torque grease gun.

Open the gun by removing the head from the barrel.
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In two images, the grease gun’s inner rod is pulled all the way out. Pull the rod all the way out and lock it.

Pull the rod all the way out and lock it.
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In two images, our expert removes the grease cartridge lid and inserts it into the grease gun barrel.

Remove the lid from the grease cartridge and insert it into the barrel.
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Our expert removes the cartridge pull tab and makes sure the cartridge is level with the barrel rim.

Remove the pull-tab on the cartridge, and ensure that the rim of the cartridge is seated firmly against the rim of the cylinder.
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The grease barrel is reinstalled.

Reinstall the barrel at the end of the cylinder, but leave it loose, then release the rod by turning it out of its retaining groove.
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Our expert pushes the grease gun’s inner rod to push out any extra air in the gun.

Push the rod into the cylinder to force air out and push grease into the head of the gun.
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In two images, the grease gun is primed and grease is pushed out of the hose. A shop towel is used to wipe the hose opening.

Use the handle to prime the pump until grease starts coming through the end of the hose, and wipe the grease from the hose opening before attaching the coupler.
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The air bleeder is depressed to force out remaining air in the grease gun.

Tighten the cap and depress the air bleeder to remove any remaining air. If your gun has no air bleeder, leave the cap loose and push the rod handle a few times to prime it before tightening the cap.
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A coupler is attached to the grease gun hose and tightened with wrenches.

Attach the coupler or applicator.
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Loading a Grease Gun with Bulk Grease

The grease gun end is submerged in the grease container and the inner rod is pulled up.

Remove the head from the cylinder and lower the cylinder into the container of grease until the end is submerged by about two inches. Hold the cylinder down and pull up on the rod handle.
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The grease gun’s inner rod is fully extended and locked in place.

Once the rod is fully extended, lock it in place. Move the cylinder side-to-side as you lift it out of the grease to remove any excess.
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Extra grease is wiped off the grease gun.

Use a shop towel or rag to wipe grease from the outside of the cylinder.
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The grease gun’s head is reattached to the barrel.

Reattach the head to the cylinder and unlock the rod handle.
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The grease gun is pumped and primed again and the hose end is wiped off.

Prime the pump, then wipe down the opening. Attach the coupler and force out any remaining air.
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How Do I Use a Grease Gun Once It’s Loaded?

Our expert holds a control arm and locates the zerk fitting on the Coupler

Locate the part you need to lubricate and determine whether or not it has a grease fitting. If it does, rotate the coupler on your grease gun counterclockwise to open it so that it fits easily over the fitting.
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Our expert professionally rotates the Zerk

Once it’s on the fitting, rotate the tip clockwise to create a sealed coupling.
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The handle is pumped and the coupler head is tightened with wrenches.

Use the handle to pump grease into the component. If grease spills around the fitting, it may need to be tightened further.
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Our expert squeezes the grease gun handle to determine how much grease has been pumped in and then disconnects the coupler from the zerk fitting.

Once grease has been added, resistance in the gun handle typically means the desired amount has been pumped in. Rotate the coupler counterclockwise to loosen the connection, then remove it from the fitting.

Repeat these steps for each component that needs grease.
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How Should I Store My Grease Gun?

  • After use, wipe any excess grease buildup or residue from the gun with a shop towel or rag.
  • It’s okay to leave the grease cartridge in the gun until it’s time to use again or refill.
  • Store the grease gun horizontally to help prevent grease from leaking.
  • Keep it away from heat, light and moisture between uses.

Whether you’re looking for a grease for automotive applications, marine vehicle grease, or the right lubricant for your machinery repairs or maintenance, you can find it at O’Reilly Auto Parts. Shop our selection of grease cartridges and bulk greases to find one that best matches your needs. We also carry a variety of grease guns to help you get the job done as easily as possible. If you need to repair your existing grease gun or replace a grease fitting, you can also shop our line of grease fitting replacements.


Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if two greases are compatible?

Check the thickener types on the labels and consult a compatibility chart from the grease manufacturer. When uncertain, avoid mixing and purge the old grease completely before changing types.

What’s the best way to avoid over-greasing?

Use consistent stroke counts, watch for fresh purge at relief points, and stop when you see it. For sealed or small-capacity bearings, consult the vehicle or component manual for stroke or volume recommendations.

Why is my coupler leaking or popping off?

Worn coupler jaws, misalignment, or side loading often cause leaks or blow-offs. Replace worn couplers and consider a locking coupler. Support the hose to keep it straight during pumping.

Can I store a grease gun with a cartridge installed?

Yes, but cap the coupler, store it clean, and avoid heat or direct sun. If the gun will sit for a long time, consider relieving spring pressure on the plunger to reduce separation.

How do I fix a grease gun that won’t prime?

Open the bleeder or loosen the head slightly and pump until air escapes and grease flows. Tapping the barrel gently can help air rise. If priming fails, check for a torn seal, collapsed cartridge, or damaged hose.