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Grease nipples

Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 1:01 pm
by RogerRust
Can someone spec what I need for new nipples I want to replace them all because I get grease every where with the ones on the car.

There are different sizes and some are angled.

What do I need?

Do you think it is worth replacing my nozzle as well if so where do I get one?

Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 1:52 pm
by MoggyTech
The grease nipples come in various threads and will depend on what trunnions you have fitted. Best solution is to fit a four claw nozzle to the grease gun with a flexi pipe extension. The standard 3 claw nozzles are useless if there is any resistance to the flow of grease. Also leave a blob of grease over the nipple head to prevent the little ball bearing from seizing up.

Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 5:54 pm
by Orkney
just like MT says only less consice :-) you sure the problems not with your grease gun?
I use my tractor one which is great cause it doesnt do spillage and its got the flexi hose, trouble is its a bit cumbersome - worse though its an absolute beast of a thing to get off the nipples once youve greased.

Have a diddy gun here inherited from my GrandFathers workshop which been meaning to use but just havent gotten round to.

Watch out if your replacing your nipples Rog, i went to undo one on a trunnion not too long ago and the darned thing just snapped, will need one of those extractor drill bits to try and get the little blighter out as a first attempt.
just because they may have been well used inside doesnt mean the thread isnt somewhat corroded. If i ever try that stunt again it'll be a week of daily penetrant just in case!

grease nipples

Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 6:24 pm
by Willie
Before you give up on the old nipples you could try 'my' handed down method. Cut 2" squares of thin cotton material i.e. from a shirt, and place a piece over the nipple and then force the gun on to it. Nine times out of ten this will make the grease enter properly. If it fails you may need to use two layers of the cloth. i have been using this method for over thirty years with great success.

Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 6:44 pm
by aupickup
also fit greasee nipple covers i sell for £1.00 for 20, not original but they do the job well

Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 7:07 pm
by RogerRust
Willie,

I used the cotton trick last year, but even then the grease leaks out.
I'm going to order a new 4 jaw nozzle and fit new nipples this winter.

Dennis, can I buy some off you I'll send you a SAE and a few stamps if you like.

Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 7:18 pm
by aupickup
hello roger, ok thats fine thanks,

Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 7:18 pm
by Orkney
Me too - invaluable things they are !

Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 7:22 pm
by MoggyTech
Orkney wrote:Me too - invaluable things they are !
I'd get two spare, I bet every nipple gets frozen in Orkney. :P

Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 7:24 pm
by aupickup
ok guys pm me with your adress and i will pm with mine

Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 7:26 pm
by Orkney
My reputation preceeds me LOL
Been on the lookout for some of these for ages - just for the sake of one your sure not to be injecting new grease that theres any grit thereabouts.

Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 8:21 pm
by dalebrignall
roger on the flexi hose the clamp on the end of the hoes can be tightened up as the nipples vary in size.i have got a jcb grease gun which i also use on my david brown tractor.i think draper make a gun with a flexi hose makes life so much easier

Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2008 6:21 pm
by RogerRust
I bought the most expensive one I could find on the web (£5)
Four jaws and grips the nipples like it doesn't want to let go. And there is a little rubber seal in the middle.

Only tomorrow will revel if its any good.

Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 9:09 am
by RogerRust
Well now I have refilled my grease gun and got round to the job! As suggested three were 1/4 unf and one was 5/16.

Job done now and it was SO easy new four jaw quality nozzle and new nipples. No leaking of grease and a satisfying back pressure against the gun 4 strokes later and the grease was leaking out past the threads so I know its go into the right place.

For the first time I'm convinced my trunnions are done properly rather than just hoping.

So my advice is fit new and overhaul your grease gun. Total cost new nozzle and nipples £6

Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 9:21 am
by Orkney
Its nice too doing the prop UJ's & seeing it oozing out from everywhere so you know its done.
Do you find that one difficult to get off the nipples now Rog ?

Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 2:29 pm
by dalebrignall
just one point i am having trouble getting grease in the track rod ends i have tried taking the nipple off and grease flows through there and i have also tried digging around the top of the track rod end with a nail to get it free,can it be full of grease and there is no more room for grease to go,every other one is fine

Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 2:45 pm
by Orkney
even on a new set you'll burst the rubber thing with the grease - tried jacking it up so that theres no weight then taking the pressure off slightly with a poxy scissor jack?
if they are well worn might be making a seal on themselves?
not being dear then if they are getting ona bit might be as well to change them ?