Hi Frank

This is an interesting conversation. We clearly agree about the benefits of
semi-fluid grease (or "solid oil"). While Penrite sell this only in small
(500ml?) bottles, I understand that users of industrial heavy machinery buy it
(from where?) in much larger quantities - Forest Lubrication sounds a likely
source, and I'll explore this, even though my own needs are rather modest!
Curiously, commercial adverts (eg Penrite) have never drawn its good properties
to public attention.

The point about King pin lube and the incorporation of King pins into the
central lube system is interesting. I am pretty sure that Armstrong Siddeley
Motors changed their design here at some point quite radically. I have seen
numerous mid-1930s cars with the top of the swivel joint fed from the central
lube system: but I have also seen plenty where the central lube does not
include the King pins; these cars have a nipple (like yours has). Mine has
the nipple, and this is unquestionably original (see owners' handbook), but ASM
did point out that this, which looked identical to a grease nipple, was intended
to be lubricated with oil from the oil gun (they describe "AS Filtrate for
universal joints and hubs and for use with oil gun" as a "solidified oil-grease
specially manufactured for us" - this seems to fit splendidly with the
semi-fluid greases that we have been discussing). Unfortunately, nipples tend
to be associated with grease rather than oil, and I suspect that this has been
the downfall of many King pins over the past 70 (!) years.

For those cars with central lubrication to the King pins, I suspect that
shortcomings (and failure to use) in the system has also been responsible for
failures. Modern manufacturers only have to bother about making their products
last 5 or maybe 10 years: our cars are enjoying 70+ years of longevity, and some
happy owners are celebrating 100 years. Good lube is essential for the next
century, so it is worth keeping our eye on the ball regarding best products and
best practice.

Hope to see you at ASOC National - I'm currently pondering a challenging
electrical difficulty!

all the best, Michael


Quoting Frank Cooke <cookef@...>:

> Hi Michael,
>
> There are other problems with lubricating trackrod ends as well,
> especially if, as on my 1933 car, a previous owner has removed some or
> all of the central lube system and fitted grease nipples instead! The
> grease refuses to transfer, not only into the bottom half of the kingpin
> (swivel pin) but also into the second knuckle on the near side trackrod
> end via the small drill hole between the pair -- however, fluid grease
> does a grand job on both. Of course, if you have had to change trackrod
> ends for more moddern ones without that oilway then you are in the deep,
> deep smelly stuff because the nipple will deliberately locate between
> the adjacent ends and jam on corners -- leaving a problem with servicing
> as well as a distinct semirectilinear approach to cornering! I have that
> servicing problem and siezed kingpins!
>
> Frank
>
>
>
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--
Prof. Michael L.G. Gardner
Hazelhurst Brow Farm
Malvern Road
BRADFORD BD9 6AR

tel: 01274-490849
fax: 01274-546173
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