loader pin not taking grease

momark

Member

Equipment
M5660 SUHD
May 14, 2017
40
3
8
Arnold, MO USA
I have an M5660 and one of the boom arm pins is not taking grease. The zerk is clear so need to remove the pin. My question is, do I have to relieve the pressure before removing since it's on the cylinder. If so, is it just a matter of moving the joystick in all directions? Anything else I have to watch out for? Never messed with the hydraulic system before so just want to be sure I don't mess anything (or me) up. Thanks in advance.
Mark
 

D2Cat

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Runs With Scissors

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I agree with @D2Cat removing pin would be last on my list.

I would pull the zerk and see if you can get grease to go through it while it's removed.

If you can’t then replace/clean zerk.

If you can get grease though it when it’s removed, then try cleaning out the old grease in the pin using a combination of compressed air and a strong degreasing solution.

I have had limited/occasional success by CAREFULLY using a small propane torch to gently warm the area up then trying to force grease through it. (painted surfaces make it tough to do this though)

Good luck (y)
 
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ruger1980

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Oct 25, 2020
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My recommendations would be to either remove the grease fitting, clean out the passage with a long drill bit or whatever you have that will fit, fill the passage with penetrant, reinstall the fitting and try after it soaks for a while. Second would be remove the pin as you are asking and clean the passage with drill bits or tooling. And heat is your friend.
This is a small pin so it is easy to remove. just wrap a rope or strap around the ram or cylinder to hold it fro dropping when you remove the pin.

The tool referenced I find as more oof a gimmick than useful.
 

momark

Member

Equipment
M5660 SUHD
May 14, 2017
40
3
8
Arnold, MO USA
As I stated the zerk is clear. The zerk is situated in the midde of the pin perpendicular so cleaning it out with a bit doesn't seem feasible, at least while on the machine. I feel like I'm going to have to remove the pin. I just want to be sure the ram is not under pressure. So, just moving the joystick in all directions should relieve any pressure. Is that correct? And I will be good to go after that?
 

Russell King

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Gravity will still exert force on the loader so you may have your worry about that but when the tractor is not running and you move the joystick it should release any hydraulic pressure. The sun load can add pressure in the hoses though so you may have to worry with that.
 

momark

Member

Equipment
M5660 SUHD
May 14, 2017
40
3
8
Arnold, MO USA
Gravity will still exert force on the loader so you may have your worry about that but when the tractor is not running and you move the joystick it should release any hydraulic pressure. The sun load can add pressure in the hoses though so you may have to worry with that.
I don't think I would have to mess with any hoses that I can tell.
 

NCL4701

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As I stated the zerk is clear. The zerk is situated in the midde of the pin perpendicular so cleaning it out with a bit doesn't seem feasible, at least while on the machine. I feel like I'm going to have to remove the pin. I just want to be sure the ram is not under pressure. So, just moving the joystick in all directions should relieve any pressure. Is that correct? And I will be good to go after that?
Yep. Loader on the ground, engine off, move joystick to relieve pressure. Unless the pin is seized, it shouldn’t be a big deal to remove it, clean everything up, and reinstall. A good sized flat end punch is helpful to knock it out and align the holes to reinstall. Hydraulic cylinders are generally heavier than they may appear. Consider supporting the cylinder somehow before removing pin. If you have any urge to stick your fingers in the hole to assist with aligning to reinstall, don’t. That’s a great way to seriously injure or lose fingers.

There’s a cylinder still in place on the other side that should hold it in place with little to no movement since you aren’t removing any hoses. Of course don’t be under anything heavy when the pin comes out as what “should” happen isn’t reliable enough to risk having heavy stuff fall on you.

If the pin is seized, that can be a bit challenging. Procedure we used on the cable plow where I worked for a while worked 99% of the time for stuck pins. One guy with large pliers holding a large flat end punch or solid steel rod a bit smaller than the pin. Second guy hits it as hard as he can with the largest sledge available. If that doesn’t work after a couple tries, heat is usually needed.
 
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momark

Member

Equipment
M5660 SUHD
May 14, 2017
40
3
8
Arnold, MO USA
Yep. Loader on the ground, engine off, move joystick to relieve pressure. Unless the pin is seized, it shouldn’t be a big deal to remove it, clean everything up, and reinstall. A good sized flat end punch is helpful to knock it out and align the holes to reinstall. Hydraulic cylinders are generally heavier than they may appear. Consider supporting the cylinder somehow before removing pin. If you have any urge to stick your fingers in the hole to assist with aligning to reinstall, don’t. That’s a great way to seriously injure or lose fingers.

There’s a cylinder still in place on the other side that should hold it in place with little to no movement since you aren’t removing any hoses. Of course don’t be under anything heavy when the pin comes out as what “should” happen isn’t reliable enough to risk having heavy stuff fall on you.

If the pin is seized, that can be a bit challenging. Procedure we used on the cable plow where I worked for a while worked 99% of the time for stuck pins. One guy with large pliers holding a large flat end punch or solid steel rod a bit smaller than the pin. Second guy hits it as hard as he can with the largest sledge available. If that doesn’t work after a couple tries, heat is usually needed.
Thanks for all the tips. Hopefully it's not too hard to get out cause I don't trust my wife with the heaviest sledge available! lol
 
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NCL4701

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L4701, T2290, WC68, grapple, BB1572, Farmi W50R, Howes 500, 16kW IMD gen, WG24
Apr 27, 2020
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Central Piedmont, NC
Thanks for all the tips. Hopefully it's not too hard to get out cause I don't trust my wife with the heaviest sledge available! lol
In that case, maybe try some penetrating oil and an air hammer if it’s being uncooperative. 😉
 
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shelkol

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I have a pneumatic grease gun and put the pressure up to max allowed by the gun. Warm the joint a little. I tried those adapters to force grease in and had zero results. If this didn't work then I remove the pin.