Spindle-Lube Nipple Replacement

B

BoatinFool

Cadet
Joined
Mar 31, 2008
Messages
24
Hello,

I have a 2007 trailer with Spindle-Lube axles like the ones shown in the cross section on the top left of this Champion Trailer page:

http://www.championtrailers.com/catalog pdf/PAGE 2 AXLES.pdf

I have cleverly managed to break off one of the grease nipples (please don't ask how - I will post it in the "Stupid Human tricks shortly ....:)) and am not sure how to replace it. The base is round, it doesn't have the flats like a normal greae nipple. Is it pressed in? If it is threaded do I just grab it with a pair of vise-grips?

Thanks for your help!
 
E

External Combustion

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 21, 2007
Messages
608
Re: Spindle-Lube Nipple Replacement

Grab a hand drill and drill the broken zerk out. Tap with a hand tap. Screw in new zerk. Flush the chips out before you put grease back in the axle. Motor on happy in the knowledge that you saved a few bucks.

I believe that 8-32 is th smallest common zerk. If that is too small step up one size at a time. Your local NAPA dealer or automotive supply house will help you get the right size and keep you from wasting money.
 
Chewey

Chewey

Cadet
Joined
Jan 27, 2008
Messages
18
Re: Spindle-Lube Nipple Replacement

Before I resorted to drilling and re-tapping, I'd try to remove it with a tool they sell at any hardware store that removes broken screws. Essentially what you do is drill a small hole in the center of the screw/bolt - which in this case you may not need to do cause there is already a hole through the middle of the zerk. The tool is threaded with left hand threads so you use your drill set very slowly to thread this tool into the hole (while turning counterclockwise) and the threads set in the screw and turn it which unscrews it. If you google 'broken screw remover' you'll come up with what I'm talking about, but I know Sears, Home Depot and Lowes sell them. I've used them numerous times. Just be patient and go slow. Good luck.
 
J

jeeperman

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Aug 2, 2001
Messages
1,513
Re: Spindle-Lube Nipple Replacement

If the base of the zurk grease fitting is round without wrench flats, it is most likely driven in.
You can tap drill into the fitting and tap it then screw in a machine screw.
Or you might get away with drilling it out enough to get a screw of any type jammed in.

Then put the vise grips on the head and hit the vise grips sideways away from the spindle. To pull the zurk out.
 
Bondo

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,082
Re: Spindle-Lube Nipple Replacement

Is it pressed in? If it is threaded do I just grab it with a pair of vise-grips?
Click to expand...

Ayuh,.....

If there's no flats on it,... It's a Press-fit fitting,......
Just rip it out with your Vise-Grips,+ pound in a New 1.......

At $.36 that's got to be about the Cheapest repair Possible when puttering on Boats......
 
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