Thread: Pitted Swivels - When is it too much

I think TimNZ's rebuild had some discussion on the swivels....and I did see another build thread on here where a member used an epoxy steel to fill the pitting...can't recall which thread though. I did a Aulro search on 'pitted swivels' and quite a few threads came up eg....

My balls are pitted.....what shall I do.......?

dear dear, pits on my balls

Originally Posted by Gordie

I think TimNZ's rebuild had some discussion on the swivels....and I did see another build thread on here where a member used an epoxy steel to fill the pitting...can't recall which thread though. I did a Aulro search on 'pitted swivels' and quite a few threads came up eg....

My balls are pitted.....what shall I do.......?

dear dear, pits on my balls

Thanks Gordie, yeah I read some of those posts, but couldn't see anything about when swivels should be replaced, ie how much pitting is acceptable.

Any pitting will damage the seals.
I've successfully used epoxy steel on my Series I (a few deep pits) and my Series III shorty ( a few pits and some heavy wear in the dead ahead position).
Both are leak tight but are on Club Permit so don't exactly get heavy use.

Some companies will strip off the chrome and re-plate but not sure of the cost of this vs new swivels. You'll struggle to find companies to do this because of the set-up costs but some Land Rover suppliers can get this done (obviously getting them done regularly so it's cost effective).


Colin

I wasn't sure about whether this one would be OK but it hasn't leaked yet. Isuzu C240 powered Series 3

Post 116 the epoxy metal is applied.


Colin

I have used epoxy filler as well and it worked well. It may wear out quicker but seeing that it is lubricated with oil, it may not.

One thing I know for sure, is that the replacement swivels have poor chrome plating; on my S1 they rusted, sitting still in the shed,

Cheers Charlie

Hi Chazza.
Which epoxy did you use ????
did you paint after filling and sanding.
I was thinking, bead blasting, ( Across the road from me ) sanding with wet and dry, smooth. Fill and smooth, then paint.
Thanks

whitehillbilly

I had my balls!! stripped of chrome by a chrome plater years ago, they don't mind because they get to keep the chrome.
Filled the pits with silver braze and filed and polished.
Had them re chromed (had to pay!!). Still good, that was 20 years ago

Terry

Problem will be finding a chrome plater. Environmental and workplace safety rules have seen almost all of them disappear.