John deere 420c 5 roller top idler

[E.Huffman]

hi Yall so My 420c 5 roller top idlers are both in need of a good greasing and I am pretty sure they both need new bearings and seals. from the little research I have done , it appears there are supposed to be plugs for zerks in the midle of the roller, but on mine the are completely flattened from years of use..... do any of you guys know what it takes to get them out? Lavoy i will be in touch with you on the bearings and seals. Thanks!

[Lavoy]

Flat caps are early oil lube idlers, one of the bolt holes that holds the cap on is bored all the way through, and that is the one you put oil in.
Lavoy

[E.Huffman]

So this one doesn't need a grease zerk? Just oil? Also what would a set of seals and bearings cost per idler? Or do you think I need to replace the whole assembly? It is not rolling smoothly at all.

[dtoots1]

that oil would be 00 Grease...available at Tractor Supply..spindle grease..comes with a spout and squeeze in in that holy hole at 12 o'clock position.

[E.Huffman]

Ok Thank You!!!!

[Lavoy]

I should clarify. ALL upper idlers, lower rollers and front idlers are technically oil lube. They were all supposed to run 140wt gear lube. In later years, Track and Roller grease became available and was a better alternative.
The first 2 styles of upper idlers had a hole somewhere to squirt gear lube in. The last style of upper idler had a cap with a button head fitting in it. You have to take out one bolt to get the grease gun end on the button head to lube it, and the bolt acts as a pressure relief so you don't over fill the idler. These later idlers can be "greased" with a gun, so I have always called them "greaseable" upper idlers even though initially they were likely filled with a grease gun filled with gear lube, or a lubester.
Lavoy

[Buckhorn]

Once you get a low pressure grease gun, and a button head adapter, you can buy corn head grease from a JD ag dealer.
It's a semi solid grease that flows like an oil when it warms up from friction, and then thickens back up as it cools.
Pete

[E.Huffman]

Ok Yes I am familiar with corn head grease didnt think about using that. Thanks!