Jump to content

Rusted Ball Bearing...


Recommended Posts

So the ball bearing on my MZ is pretty well jammed in there. I tried using a lighter to get it loose, but all that served to do was disfigure and melt everything AROUND the bearing... I figured that was my cue to stop, take a few deep breaths, and ask you lovely forum lurkers for advice.

And because a picture is worth 1000 words...



Just so you can see what I'm dealing with. It's not a good angle, but for the record, it's too far in there to try and pry it out.

Again, crappy photo quality is due to the fact these are taken from the built-in camera in my laptop.



Please help!
Link to comment
Share on other sites

wow that's horrible, if you can get a brush or a wire to fit into the hole where the stem is (under the purge valve) and lube it up with WD-40, you may be able to force it out.

Or something crazy... plug all of the holes except the stem and the purge and get some sort of pressure gun. Ahh that would be great lol.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

yes, coca cola will work wonders!

otherwise, try soaking it in some lemon juice(not the kind you drink...the pure form)

I would also recommend getting a coat hanger to try to push it from the inside....try those and lemme know how it goes...I'll give ya other things to try from there.



the soak I would give it would be an hour
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks guys! I might swing by the grocer and buy those liquids here in a little while. I'll let you know how it goes...

I've tried a few handy things to push it out from the other side, but it seems to be a no-go. Maybe it's my weak womanly musclepower...*shrugs*.

Any other suggestions until I head to Safeway would be greatly appreciated!
Link to comment
Share on other sites

If all else fails, stop by a painter supplies store...masterworks, sherwin williams, pittsburgh paints...etc...
get some laquor thinner. that crap will do all. Just make sure to clean very very thoroughly when done because when you start up the hookah, you dont want that kind of buzz...used to get it myself cleaning oil brushes while painting in the Steel Building...PGH's largest skyscraper.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well, the WD-40 didn't work. Which kidna scares me. I tried blowing it out after I let both sides of it soak...nothing.

So I'll give this thing a thorough cleaning...and then...I don't know. I have a nasty feeling if chemicals don't work, the household stuff isn't going to do the trick either.

The truth is, this happened after my first session with the thing (I didn't really clean and dry the purge valve too well at the time). It still smokes beautifully, but w/o purging it just...*sigh*.

I'll continue to try things.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

QUOTE (Bulldog_916 @ Sep 7 2008, 03:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Heat the purge valve with a torch or lighter of some type. When it gets red hot the ball bearing should just fall out. You have to expand the metals and it should come out.



Read first post...I used my lighter to try that first, but the purge valve started disfiguring a little. Fire is out of the question at this point. I might try a more focused flame so as not to heat the area outside the value up, but I don't have anything like that at the moment. Plus, there was a BUNCH of WD-40 on the thing minutes ago... not a good idea to throw some fire into the mix!
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...