Installing new grease fitting.

[Wait4me]

Hey quad-mechs, I have a question. Awhile back I had that grease fitting problem (on axle carrier), where I couldn't reach it anymore because it was rotated back too far from tightening my chain. Well, now I have that problem again....but not due to chain stretch...but because my new Fox shock has the ressie mounted at the base of the shock and completely cuts off any access to the fitting.

I bought a pack of fittings, a tap to thread it, and the corresponding drill bit....but want to make sure I install a new one right. Is the safest spot to install it dead-center on the axle carrier (like the factory one)? I figure the bearings are on the outside edges so the middle should be best right? Secondly, how do I keep the metal shavings from entering the carrier? I think Mr. YFZ had some pointers but I don't remember for sure.

Thanks for any and all help!!! ;D

[mojaveleclaire]

Couldn't you put a 90 degree elbow fitting on the stock one?


If not I would drill a hole in the middle and have a Shop Vac sucking while you are drilling. I would just try my best with the Shop Vac and whatever is left over won't do any damage. Maybe someone else has a better idea.



Wait




I have the perfect way! Completely tear apart the Axle and do it that way.




or











GET A NEW QUAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA

[Wait4me]

/\ Ok, maybe I deserved alittle payback... hahahaha ....and I am always looking at new quads anyway! I have been doing enough extra work lately that I may be able to free up alittle more "Jing" by spring. ;D I'd love to buy a different quad outright and keep the mighty TBlazer for a back-up, run-around toy....and eventual full-size for Austin. We'll see.

Anyway, back to the fitting issue. The factory fitting just spins when wrenched so it is probably a 'press-in' fitting (I believe Ubn helped me with that info). I don't have a problem putting a new one in, just want to verify the best spot and best method of doing it.

[ubnpast]

Are the new zerk threads straight threads or pipe threads (tapered)?

As for the metal shavings, I don't think there is any way to keep from getting some in there besides the obvious of taking it all apart.

[Wait4me]

Ubn, if I remember correctly, I believe there is a very mild taper at the base of the fittings. Does that affect something I need to do? Would a couple very small shavings do any real damage to the carrier bearings? I already have a new set of bearings for it, but I don't want to cause a major problem that may require more than just new bearings.

[mojaveleclaire]

I wouldn't think a couple of shavings would do damage to it. Grease the hell out of it and you should be fine.

[MrYfz]

If you drill it without taking it apart, I would strongly suggest putting grease on the bit and drill steady. The grease should help hold the shaving and keep them from falling in. Just make sure when you poke through you don't shove the bit all the way in the hole.

[mojaveleclaire]

/\ That is a very good idea!!!