I’m a novice, just like their apprentice might have been. Maybe he put oil instead of grease in his grease gun? Pump a hefty amount of grease in and see what squeezes out? Too daft?
Not daft at all. I'm being daft as the king pin shaft is quite slick with what looks like oil. Might film it in case you are correct and I'm then asked to prove. That's my after work chore blocked in!