Rich5ltr Apr 30, 2016 9:59 pm
Subject: Broken Grease Nipple Conundrum - Advice Please?

As I was putting the 16/80 away after cleaning it ready for a run down to Goodwood tomorrow I noticed that it appears the head of the grease nippple on the near-side rear spring shackle has come off, no idea how! All the remains is a very small spring poking out from the centre of the nipple, presumably this is what presses the tiny ball-bearing into the tiny hole in the nipple.

So, presumably safety aspect this simply means I can't grease the shackle until I've replaced it rather than it affecting the shackle? And secondly - anyone any ideas how to get this out?

Anyone ever seen this before? Sorry that's three things!


Bill LG45 May 01, 2016 1:47 pm
Subject: Re: Broken Grease Nipple Conundrum - Advice Please?

Hi Richard
Yep looks like the spring... pull that out. Then I would try an "easy out" these are similar to a thread tap but tapered and left hand thread and will bite into the hole and should allow removal of the broken off threaded part (I don't suppose it is that tight) but be gentle and avoid breaking off the "easy out" as they are brittle and will snap off if turned too hard leaving you in a worse mess.
Alternative is take out the shackle pin, drill to just below the tapping drill size for the thread and then hook the remains out and finally run a tap through again to clean up the thread.
BR
Bill
PS: Tried to attach a picture of any easy out so you know what to look for, plenty available on ebay but buy a good quality set as cheapies are more likely to break and that will make you unhappy!
NB: The one in the picture looks and was too cheap but shows the idea

Bill LG45 May 01, 2016 1:51 pm
Subject: Re: Broken Grease Nipple Conundrum - Advice Please?

Sorry picture did not work but look at ebay under "easy out screw extractor" but perhaps buy a better set from local tool store

h14 May 01, 2016 3:38 pm
Subject: Re: Broken Grease Nipple Conundrum - Advice Please?

The shoulder of the remains of the nipple appears to be proud of the spring eye. In that case, would it not be easier to hacksaw a slot across the head of the nipple, then use a well-fitting wide bladed screwdriver to unscrew it? One suspects that it would undo fairly easily.
Laurence

Colin M34 May 01, 2016 4:46 pm
Subject: Re: Broken Grease Nipple Conundrum - Advice Please?

Bill is right, a set of top quality "easy outs" are a must in any Lagonda fettler's toolkit!

Colin

Rich5ltr May 01, 2016 4:49 pm
Subject: Re: Broken Grease Nipple Conundrum - Advice Please?

Thanks chaps, good idea to cut a slot and try to unscrew it. if not I know what you mean by an easy-out, I call them stud extractors but as you say Bill, I will get a good quality one from my local tool shop, yes I do have one, and give it a try. Thanks for your help. Rich...

RobO May 01, 2016 8:04 pm
Subject: Re: Broken Grease Nipple Conundrum - Advice Please?

Looks like theses a reasonable amount left. If youre carefull you may be able to undo it with molegrips on the shank.

Rob