Cchase Posted January 12, 2023 Share Posted January 12, 2023 Good afternoon, At risk of overthinking a problem, I have seen/read about people drilling into the upper swivel assembly (and then at 90`) and adding a grease nipple, to enable lubing of the Railko bushing. Is this common? Secondly, If the spinning of the U-joint is supposed to splash oil into the hole on the bushing to provide lube, then why not slightly enlarge the hole in the bottom of the bushing and thrust washer? Obviously not so big a hole so as to weaken the bushing, but maybe to 1/4" or so. Waiting for parts allows the mind to wander... Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cchase Posted January 12, 2023 Author Share Posted January 12, 2023 And... Does anyone use these? M10 M14 M16 Metric Male Thread Brass Grease Oil Cup Lubrication Oiler For Machine Tool - (Thread Specification: M10x1-3ml) Brand: Tomeco https://www.amazon.ca/uxcell-Grease-M10x1-Thread-Machine/dp/B09PBY4GR3/ref=sr_1_6?crid=27CIOSOYPJ73Q&keywords=M10+M14+M16+Metric+Male+Thread+Brass+Grease+Oil+Cup+Lubrication+Oiler+For+Machine+Tool+-+(Thread+Specification%3A+M10x1-3ml)+Brand%3A+Tomeco&qid=1673555437&sprefix=m10+m14+m16+metric+male+thread+brass+grease+oil+cup+lubrication+oiler+for+machine+tool+-+thread+specification+m10x1-3ml+brand+tomeco%2Caps%2C77&sr=8-6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Sparkes Posted January 12, 2023 Share Posted January 12, 2023 Common in the UK? I'd say no, but I am so convinced it's a good idea that I have modified two vehicles in this manner. It's just a pity that both have become garden ornaments, so no reduction in wear or reduction in servicing effort can be claimed. Greasing via spinning UJ? If anyone can write a convincing argument about how the oil is forced upwards, against gravity, through the small hole, then between two flat surfaces (the base of the swivel pin and the base of the bush (or the Railko washer), then upwards between the side of the pin and the inner face of the bush, I'd be interested to read it. My point being that until someone understands how the original system worked it's rather difficult to claim any change is an improvement. Regards. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gazzar Posted January 13, 2023 Share Posted January 13, 2023 Interest topic. @David Sparkes Did you lube the railko before setting the preload? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Sparkes Posted January 13, 2023 Share Posted January 13, 2023 2 hours ago, Gazzar said: Did you lube the railko before setting the preload? Yes, by an overnight soak in EP90 (after first blocking the drain hole with an 'obvious' piece of PVC tape) Regards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daan Posted January 13, 2023 Share Posted January 13, 2023 20 hours ago, Cchase said: Good afternoon, At risk of overthinking a problem, I have seen/rad about people drilling into the upper swivel assembly (and then at 90`) and adding a grease nipple, to enable lubing of the Railko bushing. Is this common? Secondly, If the spinning of the U-joint is supposed to splash oil into the hole on the bushing to provide lube, then why not slightly enlarge the hole in the bottom of the bushing and thrust washer? Obviously not so big a hole so as to weaken the bushing, but maybe to 1/4" or so. Waiting for parts allows the mind to wander... Thanks. I used to do this on my series; made a big difference on the steering. Problem with splash lubrication it has to go against gravity, so not great. I closed the hole with a metal disk and drilled the grease feed hole through, so the grease goes in the bottom face and comes out on top; so it is properly covered in grease. I also had freewheel hubs, so splash lubrication was not happening. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cchase Posted January 19, 2023 Author Share Posted January 19, 2023 I posted a follow up to this in the Fabrication section. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TEVW Posted February 22, 2023 Share Posted February 22, 2023 I did away with the railco bushes and replaced them with tapered bearings (like a defender). The swivel grease just doesn't lubricate the bushes. The series lower taper roller bearings drop straight in and don't need greasing more than the swivel grease does. You need to turn the trunnions down to 19mm to fit the bearings and then shim like normal. My steering is spot on now. Further information is available on this excellent thread: Series trunnions 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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