6PTsocket

My Ariens Deluxe 30 also stopped using Zerk fittings after a certain serial number. I called customer service and he said they are now using a plastic sleeve so there is no metal to metal contact or need for lube. Personally I don't think it is a great idea, as I have seen rusted metal embed itself in plastic. The sleeve could end up as a coupling between a rusty shaft and a rusty auger. but if the sleeve is in there there is no point in trying to install zerk fittings, as the grease has no place to go.

This is from Ariens in response to my question on this subject: Hi , Thank you for contacting the Ariens Company. Any lithium grease that resists water is good to use. Sorry the oil can is a little mis-leading, This is a carry over from older units. In these areas, you can use the same grease. On the hex shaft, use a very small film so it does not build up and get onto the drive plate or drive disc. The oil can symbol he is referring to is on the lube chart in my owners manual , along with the grease gun symbol. I have a 2011 Deluxe 30. The grease I told him I intended to use is Valvoline 615, General purpose lithium grease for GM, Chrysler,European and Japanese cars resists water wash out,NGLI 2, extreme pressure, -10 to 380 degrees. That is a lot lower temp than the Stens stuff which is more relevant that the higher top end for the Stens grease. It is not going into high pressure, high speed bearings so high temp limit means much less than how cold it can work. It is a regular 14.1 oz grease sleeve carried by all the big auto chains for around $4.59.