Cotter Pin

[RHARVEY]

I am going to pack the front wheel bearings this weekend and I want to get a couple of Cotter Pins to replace the old ones. Does anyone know what size they are???? The old ones may be just fine but I would rather have new ones on hand just in case I break one...



Rick

 

[Blakers]

I wouldn't worry too much about breaking one, but if you do, a nail would work just fine. Around here we call them "Amish cotter pins". Later you can get yourself a new cotter pin if you need it.



Blake

 

[illflem]

Nails are easier to remove later also. I've done jobs where the most time consuming part was getting the damn cotter pin out. Best tool I've found - a pair of fencing pliers, the part made for pulling staples works excellent.

 

[Fistfull]

Nails??? You gotta be kidding, you spend thousands of dollars on a truck and then use nails instead of getting the correct 59 cent cotter pin:--)





To pull cotter pins, use a pair of diagonal side cutter (dykes). Grab the eye of the cotter pin as deeply into the dykes as possible, squeeze gently (don't cut the eye off) and lever the ends of the cutters against the flat of the nut, when the pin moves, slide the dykes down and get a new bite. Stainless cotter pins can be removed without even trying to straighten out the bent ends, using this method (works on airplanes).



When you get the cotter pin out, use the closest trash recepticle as a storge facility for the used cotter pin. Spend the cents and get new pins before you start the job.



Sorry for the rant

 

[BFaoro]

Nails !!

Nails are way to expensive to use !! When we are out bailing in the field and that little old wheel falls off we just use a chunk of bailing wire !! Hey, if it is good for tractors why not a Dodge !!

 

[bighammer]

I prefer a coat hanger, myself



You can pop your center cap off at the hardware store to size up your cotter pin.



Not sure you are going to find anything in there to do. My 4x4 has "sealed" bearings. They're not supposed to come appart, and it's royal PITA to press back together. Not sure, but I would guess the 2wd is similar.

 

['956Wheel]

Nails are for hammering in wood.



Now a short course in metalurgy and cross sectional strength.



The reason a cotter pin is a "split round" is when bent the outside of the bend stretches not much more then the inside of the bend. A nail (full round) will stretch approx. twice as as much on the outside of the bend then the inside which will fracture and break if the bend is a reasonably sharp one.



Would you build a fence with cotter pins as nails?



$40,000 Truck $200 rotor . 01 cent nail... . cotter pin, PRICELESS



Mike

 

[dremelts]

Originally posted by bighammer

Not sure you are going to find anything in there to do. My 4x4 has "sealed" bearings. They're not supposed to come appart, and it's royal PITA to press back together. Not sure, but I would guess the 2wd is similar.

RHARVEY's sig doesn't say if he has the 2WD or 4x4, but I have the the 2WD and the front bearings are "conventional" tapered roller bearings that come apart so you can re-pack them with grease.

 

[RHARVEY]

Its 2wd!!!!!



This will be the 2nd time that I have re-packed the front wheel bearings. Its not a job that I look forward to but it has to be done...



Rick

 

[Blakers]

The nail suggestions were made in case the gentleman broke the original cotter pin and did not have a spare. The nail would work until he had a chance to get a new cotter pin.



Yes, if you consider the technical metalurgical BS , the nail may not be as strong as the official cotter pin, but it will dang-sure hold up in a wheel bearing nut.



Might not look like high-buck original equipment on a $40M truck, but no one is going to see it anyway.



Use what you want to use. Personally I use the original cotter pins, but in a pinch I would use a nail.



Blake

 

['956Wheel]

Originally posted by Blakers





Yes, if you consider the technical metalurgical BS



Might not look like high-buck original equipment on a $40M truck, but no one is going to see it anyway.







Blake

Blake is right... . metalurgy is just BS



If your buddies don't see it, it's o. k. to use anything. Chewing gum will work in a pinch. Its only a $40,000 machine!



Thats the problem here at the TDR (IMO), give the facts and they gotta call it BS, ask for the facts and they blubber out like a dying Phord.



Now, whats for dinner







Mike



No flame on Blake here, he just put forward a perfect example of the whining debates that takeover when a keyboard is put in front of a bored individual.

 

[RHARVEY]

When I open it up tomorrow and if I do break the cotter pin. . then I will starting looking around the house for a replacement. I have a number of cotter pins but I dont know if they are the right size.

Now if I need to install a temp fix to get me down to the auto parts store. . it will have to do for a short period of time. But as far as a perminent fix. . NO. . but sometimes you have got to use what you have until you get what you need. .

Anyone want to come and help??????. . Its suppose to be around 104* tomorrow. .



Rick

 

[Blakers]

Originally posted by '956Wheel

Blake is right... . metalurgy is just BS



If your buddies don't see it, it's o. k. to use anything. Chewing gum will work in a pinch. Its only a $40,000 machine!



Thats the problem here at the TDR (IMO), give the facts and they gotta call it BS, ask for the facts and they blubber out like a dying Phord.

I wasn't stating that metalurgy is BS. It's use in the argument was BS. Metalurgy is very important! Nothing was ever mentioned about chewing gum as it would not work in this situation. I'm sure it has it's use as an emergency fix in some situations.



Blake



no flames intended... just trying to clear up what I meant.

 

[illflem]

How about a stub of a stick of high tensile welding rod instead of a nail, will that meet ASE standards? We're not building the space shuttle here.



As for pulling cotter pins with dikes try pulling a 1/4" one that's been holding on a 10,00 rpm brush mower blade nut powered by a 150 hp tractor and you'll see where a pair of fencing pliers comes in handy.

 

['956Wheel]

Rick,



If I remember correctly the pin on my 2WD 3500 is 5/32" X 1 1/2", go to the store after the sun is down and get a few either side of that size and your set. Their cheaper than your time . Heck, pop the cup off and take a peek... Auto Zone is open late.



On coming up to help... your'e about 150 miles north of me and 4 or so degrees cooler... I dunno. But we still have to burn some steaks together at that lake by you! I have that TT, a sweet/mean wife and the dogs..... we all need a break!



Mike

 

['956Wheel]

Originally posted by illflem

How about a stub of a stick of high tensile welding rod instead of a nail, will that meet ASE standards? We're not building the space shuttle here.



As for pulling cotter pins with dikes try pulling a 1/4" one that's been holding on a 10,00 rpm brush mower blade nut powered by a 150 hp tractor and you'll see where a pair of fencing pliers comes in handy.

got kroil?