Section : General

Smaller grease gun nozzles for propshafts??? 

Posted By : Mike Bewick, 14-Sep-2006, 12:24pm

• Smaller grease gun nozzles for propshafts??? 

  Posted By : Stephen Weblin, 14-Sep-2006, 01:48pm

  Rather than trying to find a grease gun with a smaller end piece I suggest you track down some longer grease nipples. Grease nipples are available in various different lenghts and shapes. Make sure you use straight ones for this job. I have some that are nearly an inch long.

  • Smaller grease gun nozzles for propshafts??? 

    Posted By : Dan Owen, 15-Sep-2006, 10:46am

    Wouldn't longer nipples catch on something? Besides I have a related problem-grease nipples on halfshaft UJ's on my Herald. The standard nozzle won't go anywhere near and due to the amount of flex in the joint a longer nipple is definitely out (unless anyone knows different?). I'm sure there must be smaller nozzles out there but where?

    • Smaller grease gun nozzles for propshafts??? 

      Posted By : Stephen Weblin, 15-Sep-2006, 11:05am

      The grease nipples are only fitted whilst you inject the grease through them. You should then replace the nipples with blanking plugs which basically look like small screws that fit into the same holes and do not stick out from the UJ or prop.

      • Smaller grease gun nozzles for propshafts??? 

        Posted By : Dan Owen, 15-Sep-2006, 11:15am

        And just how do you get the plug back in, lying on your back under the car, with bad light, and not much space to move your arms, without dropping it to disappear into the ether?
        You've got to admit a smaller nozzle would be easier!

        • Smaller grease gun nozzles for propshafts??? 

          Posted By : Mike Bewick, 15-Sep-2006, 11:54am

          Thanks for the comments. I rekon a smaller nozzle would be more useful but I guess a longer grease nipple and blanking plugs could be the answer. I will look for both alternatives at the NEC Classic show in Oct. Why is it that Triumph designed several grease and oil popints (trunions, UJ's) which require blanking plugs? - It's almost asking for poor maintenance!

          • Smaller grease gun nozzles for propshafts??? 

            Posted By : Kevin Rochfort, 15-Sep-2006, 12:08pm

            So they could advertise the cars as having no grease nipples

        • Smaller grease gun nozzles for propshafts??? 

          Posted By : Chris Taylor, 15-Sep-2006, 12:51pm

          You could try a magnetized scewdriver to keep hold of the blanking plug.
          I have used an old brass motorcyle grease gun before (usually the one for EP90, but it will pump grease) and these can be picked up at autojumbles, traction engine rallies, car boot sales etc for &163;5-10. They are very simple inside with a plunger and a cork block, but DO work. They also (and this is coming to the point for u/j's!) have no full nozzle, just ending in a semi-circular depression. You need a small (postage stamp sized) piece of cloth (old sheet, T shirt etc is ideal) between the gun and nipple, and hey presto, something that will pump grease into u/j's, and oil into trunnions. Only disadvantage is a rather small capacity.
          
          In fairness to ST, other cars of the time needed greasing every 1000 miles, and it is only more recent experience with 30-40 year old cars that brings us to grease u/j's. For many years they may have been fitted with sealed for life u/j's. And all the other grease nipples can be left in situ, and are pretty easy to get at.

          • Smaller grease gun nozzles for propshafts??? 

            Posted By : John Davies, 15-Sep-2006, 05:28pm

            Sure Chris' magnetic screwdriver will work, but so will a dab of the same grease as goes in the Uj!
            It'll hold the plug on the end of an ordinary 'driver, while you position and start it in the hole.
            John