7 replies to this topic

[TopGearRules]

Hi there,

 

I fear I may have overgreased (ie ruined) my radius arm!! I have to initally say that my driver side radius arm is on its way out so I will be getting it replaced soon. However, I was greasing the radius arm until i noticed old grease coming out of the side (shaft seal??) and masses of new grease coming out of the nipple itself (like a never-ending river of grease)!! I feel soo angry with myself now since I've probably broken the seal so it will starve of grease. I also have my exams after the half term so my car is vital ATM!! Can anyone help me??

 

Many thanks, Alex 

[tommy13]

I think you are worrying over very little. Grease coming back out of the nipple is typical when the small ball bearing in the end of the nipple is not seating due to corrosion or even missing.

  Ideally grease should issue from both the inner and outer ends of the radius arm where it pivots. It must pass from under the rubber ring seal to do this. The seal will then drop back onto it's seating to prevent ingress of water and dirt.

  Basically it's not possible to overgrease these arms, so you have nothing to worry about, and any grease in there is better than none at all.

[TopGearRules]

I think you are worrying over very little. Grease coming back out of the nipple is typical when the small ball bearing in the end of the nipple is not seating due to corrosion or even missing.

  Ideally grease should issue from both the inner and outer ends of the radius arm where it pivots. It must pass from under the rubber ring seal to do this. The seal will then drop back onto it's seating to prevent ingress of water and dirt.

  Basically it's not possible to overgrease these arms, so you have nothing to worry about, and any grease in there is better than none at all.

 

Hiya, thanks for the quick reply. I was just a little bit concerned as quite a lot (probably as much as I put in) came out of the nipple - when you say when the nipple is not seating due to corrosion or even missing, could this mean the arm could run dry?? Should I try and re-grease it and see what happens?? Alex 

[Blatherskite]

Try giving the little ball at the end of the nipple a wee poke woth something pointy, and it will likely seal again. If not, buy a new nipple and change it, they cost very little.

As above, grease generously and often, at all nipples - you cannot overdo it - until you see clean grease at the seals. Wipe off the old, to keep the car tidy-looking.

Edited by Blatherskite, 25 May 2013 - 05:49 PM.

[TopGearRules]

Try giving the little ball at the end of the nipple a wee poke woth something pointy, and it will likely seal again. If not, buy a new nipple and change it, they cost very little.

As above, grease generously and often, at all nipples - you cannot overdo it - until you see clean grease at the seals. Wipe off the old, to keep the car tidy-looking.

Thanks for the advice, I will order a new nipple since I think its kaput!! Al :) 

Edited by TopGearRules, 25 May 2013 - 06:24 PM.

[sonikk4]

You can take the nipple off easily enough. Soak it in some brake cleaner or petrol then see what state its in.

[adam davies]

try swappping the grease nipple over from the other side and see if the grease stays in

[firstforward]

Or temporarily swap it with the other side till you get a new one.

 

 

Ahhh just beaten to it!!

Edited by firstforward, 25 May 2013 - 07:20 PM.