4plus Swing-out Pivot Lubrication (2 Viewers)

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

FJ60Seth

SILVER Star
Joined
Nov 15, 2010
Threads
90
Messages
2,074
Location
Altadena CA
I have the "classic" rear 4plus bumper on my 60. One of the swing arms is a little bit stiff to move. How do I lubricate the pivot? I can't see how to un-assemble it.
 
I don't have one (wish I did), but don't those have oil-impregnated bronze bushing ? If yes, I'd just squirt some light machine oil, like 3-in-1 and let is soak until you can get it apart and grease it. IIRC, isn't there a collar with a set-screw that holds the pivot on ?
 
I don't have one (wish I did), but don't those have oil-impregnated bronze bushing ? If yes, I'd just squirt some light machine oil, like 3-in-1 and let is soak until you can get it apart and grease it. IIRC, isn't there a collar with a set-screw that holds the pivot on ?

Yes. You'll have to remove the collar to get the arm off. Seems like several posters have drilled/tapped the pivot and installed a grease fitting to avoid having to take it off. I didn't do that (short on time, tools, and knowledge) when I installed my 4+ bumper earlier this year. That would, however, be a good project for next year.
 
I done it once since I bought my 4+ several years ago.
I don't think drilling and tapping a grease zerk is worth the effort,or needed, but sure would be a fun weekend project.....
 
I don't have one (wish I did), but don't those have oil-impregnated bronze bushing ? If yes, I'd just squirt some light machine oil, like 3-in-1 and let is soak until you can get it apart and grease it. IIRC, isn't there a collar with a set-screw that holds the pivot on ?


A, This is correct. Dave and I use the impregnated bronze bushings. 3 in 1 oil is all that is needed, HOWEVER, NO GREASE! Yes, a shaft set collar holds the assembly down and to the spindle.

If trash has built up inside the collar (I doubt this is the case, pretty tight tolerances) take a Scotch-Brite/ SOS kitchen pad and scrub the I.D. of the collar and then add the 3 in 1 before installing.

J
 
A, This is correct. Dave and I use the impregnated bronze bushings. 3 in 1 oil is all that is needed, HOWEVER, NO GREASE! Yes, a shaft set collar holds the assembly down and to the spindle.

If trash has built up inside the collar (I doubt this is the case, pretty tight tolerances) take a Scotch-Brite/ SOS kitchen pad and scrub the I.D. of the collar and then add the 3 in 1 before installing.

J

So, uh...why no grease? What happens if you used grease?


Asking for "a friend" *ahem*
 
So, uh...why no grease? What happens if you used grease?


Asking for "a friend" *ahem*

Tight tollerances he said


Tolerances yes, BUT some greases contain acids in them and in the long run will "wash" the oil from the bushing causing a "galling" action. The bronze is much softer than the steel and wears the bushing much faster. However, with the reduction of the impregnated oil... the bushing becomes tighter and causes excessive friction and wears the bushing faster.

J
 
So if someone were to have greased theirs, it would just be a matter of thoroughly cleaning it and applying some 3-in-1 oil before reassembly as long as no damage has been done yet?

Note: I haven't done this. I don't even have one to do it on :D
 
^^ I did.. guess... I gotz to pop them swingers out !!!
 
So if someone were to have greased theirs, it would just be a matter of thoroughly cleaning it and applying some 3-in-1 oil before reassembly as long as no damage has been done yet?

Note: I haven't done this. I don't even have one to do it on :D

^^ I did.. guess... I gotz to pop them swingers out !!!



Spook/Frank,

I would simply clean it, inspect it for any heavy grooves/gouges and then re-install per the mfg recommendation. Bunting and National Bronze both recommend light oil/3 in 1 only. Also these bushing are made to be used in a daily operated environment. IMO, it would take quite some time to damage the bearing, even by using grease vs oil. I just want to put it out there what the proper installation method/maintenance is for this type of bushing.

J
 
Yes. You'll have to remove the collar to get the arm off. Seems like several posters have drilled/tapped the pivot and installed a grease fitting to avoid having to take it off. I didn't do that (short on time, tools, and knowledge) when I installed my 4+ bumper earlier this year. That would, however, be a good project for next year.

I removed the set screw but the collar seems to be wedged on tight, I couldn't remove it. I'll try squirting a little light oil through the set screw hole and see if that helps.
 
I removed the set screw but the collar seems to be wedged on tight, I couldn't remove it. I'll try squirting a little light oil through the set screw hole and see if that helps.


Take a hammer handle and wedge it between the arm and the bumper shell. Push down on the handle and pull the arm towards you at the same time. May need to rock the arm back and forth but it will start to come up.

J
 
@FJ60Seth
On the cap, use a long drift or chisel and catch the edges of the cap, tapping upward. Alternate at least two different spots, 180deg apart.
Once it starts moving it will come of faster. It's better to be patient and remove it little at a time. I'm generally short on 3 and 1 as a brand but I have used WD40 and similar penetrating oils. I spray a little around the top and like Jason said, put pressure upwards on the arm by prying between the channel and arm. As you put steady pressure on the arm, swing the arm back and forth. It will walk up the shaft. It will probably have surface rust and very fine dirt in there.
Clean it off, spray a little light oil of your favorite brand on the hinge and in the bushings and reassemble. In dusty environments like AZ, I have to
clean up mine every 5 or 6 years
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom