Top Swivel pin

[sirrom]

I cannot get grease into my top RH swivel pin. Its not the grease nipple as swapped the one from the left side in but still no go. I suspect grease has gone hard in there. Is there any way of clearing this or will I have to strip it down and clean out. If I have to strip it down what is the easiest way of doing it?

[philthehill]

You can remove the R/H top swivel without having to strip off very much of the front suspension.
Lift and support the car on axle stands under the chassis rails. Remove R/H wheel. Place jack under R/H lower suspension arm and jack up so that the weight/load is taken off the top link (top link should be well clear of bottom rebound rubber). Knock back locking tab washer on top pivot pin and remove nut. Remove locking washer, keeper plate and outer top rubber bush. Wiggle top swivel to loosen grip on remaining bush and with a bit of effort twist top swivel off top pin. Unscrew top swivel fully off the upright, remove top swivel seal and remove old grease. If grease is packed hard try warming the top swivel to melt grease. The top plate (with screw driver slot) of the swivel is removable if it is of any help but make sure that when refitted it is fully tightened and staked.
Refitting is opposite of the removal process. Fit a new top swivel seal if you have one.
Make sure that you do not put too much strain on the flexible brake pipe. Support the upright by tying it back whilst you sort out the top swivel.
Just take care that the car is well supported and chocks placed either side of the R/H rear wheel before attempting to remove top swivel.

[bmcecosse]

Spot-on description....you have 30 minutes to do the job starting NOW !

[alexmcguffie]

The down side of using grease on trunnions!

[bmcecosse]

What else would you use?? They are specified for grease - and have a grease nipple.... I do use Moly grease (as for CV joints) on all the grease points.

[DAVIDMCCULLOUGH]

I would also suggest trying some oil in via the grease nipple hole and leave it for a few days to see if it softens and then trying the grease gun again, if this doesnt sort it strip it down!

[bmcecosse]

Yes - oil (and heat) helps to free off a 'stuck' trunnion.

[sirrom]

Thanks guys. Very good instructions and easier than I thought it was going to be.
Roy I cant start yet as I have some jobs around the house first but will do as soon as I can

thanks again

[bmcecosse]

Oh - 'jobs around the house' can wait....ducks down quickly before Mrs BMC sees this........