Well this is very strange. My grease fittings don't seem to want to accept grease! I had the gun outlet on the fitting and pumped and it just wants to ooze out the side and not go in! Whats the deal? There something I'm not quite understanding about this?

I'd bet that you have a gun with the long handle on the side. Those are the most annoying guns I've ever used. You need to hold the hold for the gun straight on the fitting. Since they don't have a tight seal any angle will ooze grease unless it is straight on.

it actually has a hose type/flexable grease output line. I found no other way to get to the outer tie rod fittings. Just make sure its on straight? hold it firmly and pump? :?

Also, how much grease? Guy at the parts store told me the rule of thumb is one zerk for every inch in diameter the grease fitting is

It'* been years, but in the past I've run into problems where the grease has gotten hard inside the fitting. Try taking it off and dig out any solidified grease. Also check where the fitting goes to see if there is any inside.

Yep, and be careful, it * so easy to strip or break off a fitting. As for grease ampount, t is very important to watch the cupr that holds the grease and not burst it. Wont be long before the grease will draian back out. For connections without a rubber grease cup just grease enuff to push some of the old stuff out and wipe with rag.

ok, now also, none of the fittings have been greased since i've owned the car, and who knows how long before then. how long do i have before i've basically murdered my ball joints and tie rod ends?

Murder may not have happened yet..

For items that don't have cups that hold the grease..go until you see a little leak out. If there'* a boot like a tie rod or balljoint..put some in to make the rubber puff a little if it'* soft..

I grease up all the zerks about every 2nd or 3rd oil change. Usually they need very little.

Could also be that your balls are frozen in the zerks. It happens, speshully in the great white north where the salt flows like wine. Sometimes you can break the corrosion loose. Sometimes when you do that, the springs don't have enough force to push your balls back in place and grease will stream out the top of the zerk like a little grease basilisk.

well isn't that comforting information. thanks though.

Don't worry John...I haven't seen it happen north of Stan'* house.. I think it'* a hot weather climate thing..where the metal melts back together. :P