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Squeaky and stiff Giotto lever

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  • #31
    Re: Squeaky and stiff Giotto lever

    Originally posted by 2E23202E4C0 link=1236205891/28#28 date=1236572275
    Cremachine

    Here is the documentation i have writtne on the process.
    http://www.bolb.com.au/index.php?opt...hines&Itemid=2

    Everything went fine and the lever action is smooth.

    Mal
    Hi Mal,

    Thanks for that. It is excellent.

    I think I may try and go the extra step on mine by greasing the whole spindle, as Evan and Chris were referring. Will see how I go and will let you know.

    Comment


    • #32
      Re: Squeaky and stiff Giotto lever

      Ok. I got started on the job planning to follows Mals instructions, and then keep going by removing and greasing the whole spindle.

      Unfortunately, when I got to the stage of the process where 2mcm suggests to take off or loosen the large nuts on the top and bottom of the group, but my adjustable wrench was not big enough. Went to the hardware, and bought the largest one they had, and even that was a fraction too small! (If anyone knows of a tool suitable for the, could they please let me know!)

      So in the end I was limited to just greasing the outer part of the spindle, as per Mal. It is definitely better, but still quite firm and most of the squeak still remains, so I need to find a way to loosen those nuts.

      Comment


      • #33
        Re: Squeaky and stiff Giotto lever

        Originally posted by 4756414945474C4D4A41240 link=1236205891/31#31 date=1237153143
        Ok.  I got started on the job planning to follows Mals instructions, and then keep going by removing and greasing the whole spindle.

        Unfortunately, when I got to the stage of the process where 2mcm suggests to take off or loosen the large nuts on the top and bottom of the group, but my adjustable wrench was not big enough.  Went to the hardware, and bought the largest one they had, and even that was a fraction too small!  (If anyone knows of a tool suitable for the, could they please let me know!)

        So in the end I was limited to just greasing the outer part of the spindle, as per Mal.  It is definitely better, but still quite firm and most of the squeak still remains, so I need to find a way to loosen those nuts.
        Hi Crema,

        I crack them using a large shifting spanner whilst on the group. It makes it easier to get them apart. If the larger one moves, there is no choice but to remove the lot and use two spanners together to separate them.

        I can usually manage it with a 12" and 10" shifting spanner working towards each other. Better though would be 2 x open end spanner, custom ground.

        2mcm

        Comment


        • #34
          Re: Squeaky and stiff Giotto lever

          Originally posted by 742B33252E2529202023232B2728460 link=1236205891/32#32 date=1237153524
          I can usually manage it with a 12" and 10" shifting spanner
          Right. The largest shifting spanner I could get at my hardware was a 10" so it is a 12" that I think I need to track down.

          Thanks again 2mcm

          Comment


          • #35
            Re: Squeaky and stiff Giotto lever

            Ok. I know it has been a couple of weeks since my last post but my greasing project got put on the backburner due to a baby birth!

            Anyway, I finally got hold of a 12" shifting spanner, as suggested by 2mcm. That worked well. A couple of times I undid a bolt only to find that I should have actually undone the larger bolt further up. In any event, I got there in the end of the lever works silky smoothly and the squeak is completely gone!

            It was a far bigger improvement than the first round of greasing I did (only on the outer part of the spindle). Mal, if you get a chance, I definitely recommend going this extra step.

            Thanks to everyone who helped (particularly Mal and 2mcm)

            Comment


            • #36
              Re: Squeaky and stiff Giotto lever

              Hi cremachine
              Next time i need to go through the process i will do it complete and update my website with pictures and descriptions.
              If only there were 48 hours in a day or working from home would be nice. ;D

              I just swapped out my shower screen, from memory Talk Coffee changed it about 12 months ago when my Giotto was pimped.

              The baby runs like a charm.

              Mal

              Comment


              • #37
                Re: Squeaky and stiff Giotto lever

                I do have a query about all the types of grease used for this task ...... I assume that whatever grease is used would not come into contact with the brewing procedure and thus would never be mixing with coffee or water.

                I have previously read about using vasaline, molycote , food grade , Inox , greases so really it would appear that you can use almost anything providing the lever is lubed up, and food grade might taste better , but Id rather not be drinking it.

                Now I realise this may freak out a few purist out there , but this is how I made my grease selection for the job at hand. At home I had 4 different types of greases in the shed. So I put a blob of each on a knife and heated them over the stove element..... ya with me ..!!! Best , most suitable grease for the job was Castrol RED Rubber grease made for brake components. This held its shape whilst heated and most importantly is made to protect and condition rubber seals.

                In reality I wouldnt put too much importance as to which is the "right" grease. Cause I dont intend to drink any grease with my espresso..... More important is to use some grease , when needed, and if it is high temp even better.

                As for using shifters on these fine Italian machines ..... You wont find a shifter in a Ducati tool kit .!!! Please just go and buy the right sized ring spanner..... ( now you know where I got the grease from.....  )

                hotshod

                Comment


                • #38
                  Re: Squeaky and stiff Giotto lever

                  Originally posted by 3E3922253E3932560 link=1236205891/36#36 date=1238588603
                  As for using shifters on these fine Italian machines ..... You wont find a shifter in a Ducati tool kit .!!! Please just go and buy the right sized ring spanner..... ( now you know where I got the grease from.....  )

                  hotshod
                  Sorry- I cant agree there hotshod...If you want to preserve the plating on top and bottom group nuts, stay away with the ring spanner. Ideally an open end spanner but you will find you need 4 different sizes at $30 or more each to do the job. A good shifter, used tight is in contact with the entire edge and therefore less risk of bruising. Ive tried with both and a ring will only end up in  . Beware!

                  Also the anatomy of the group cam does allow for contact with brew water, or the grease placed there during assembly would stay there during backflushing. Its your choice, but no way am I eating brake grease. Sorry, but not recommended.

                  2mcm

                  Comment


                  • #39
                    Re: Squeaky and stiff Giotto lever

                    How about a couple of good quality (Snapon?), correctly sized Open Ended Spanners Chris? Or is there still too much clearance between the jaws of the spanner and the Nut/Fitting?

                    Mal.

                    Comment


                    • #40
                      Re: Squeaky and stiff Giotto lever

                      I agree with 2mcm. The grease washes away so I guess it must come in contact with the brew water. This is quite obvious straight after a chemical backflush. The lever feels quite stiff & rough until the first shot re-lubes it again.
                      Regarding grease, can anybody confirm that the Inox stuff has the same consistency as the grease used by the pros? Its heat-proof & food safe but doesnt seem very thick & sticky. It feels like it would wash away too easily. Im going to replace all the wear & tear items in my group & want to avoid unnecessary cam wear.
                      BTW, I used Kinchrome ring spanners to strip mine down & it hasnt marked the chrome as far as I can tell.

                      Evan.

                      Comment


                      • #41
                        Re: Squeaky and stiff Giotto lever

                        Originally posted by 4A592F0 link=1236205891/39#39 date=1238618529
                        Regarding grease, can anybody confirm that the Inox stuff has the same consistency as the grease used by the pros? ...
                        Evan.
                        The food grade stuff I use has the consistency of tube silicon....

                        2mcm

                        Comment


                        • #42
                          Re: Squeaky and stiff Giotto lever

                          Originally posted by 0D524A5C575C5059595A5A525E513F0 link=1236205891/40#40 date=1238620912
                          The food grade stuff I use has the consistency of tube silicon....
                          Yes, I used the Inox Food Grade Machinery Grease, as per the Jaycar link provided by Koffee Kosmo and its working fantastically for me at the moment. I actually found it at my local hardware store.

                          Comment


                          • #43
                            Re: Squeaky and stiff Giotto lever

                            Thanks guys. It sounds like the Inox stuff might not be as thick & sticky. Ive had a tube of the recommended stuff added to my parts order. Ill report back once I get the parts & rebuild the group.

                            Evan.

                            Comment


                            • #44
                              Re: Squeaky and stiff Giotto lever

                              Originally posted by 7467110 link=1236205891/42#42 date=1238741590
                              Thanks guys. It sounds like the Inox stuff might not be as thick & sticky. Ive had a tube of the recommended stuff added to my parts order. Ill report back once I get the parts & rebuild the group.

                              Evan.
                              :-? :-?

                              My tube of Inox Lube has the consistency of commercial silicone sealant, wouldnt really want it any more viscous than this

                              Mal.

                              Comment


                              • #45
                                Re: Squeaky and stiff Giotto lever

                                Mal, Im completely rebuilding the group & I want to make sure that the new cam doesnt end up with worn spots on it this time. A $30 tube of grease is cheap insurance, not that the group parts are expensive anyway! Once Ive got it, Ill compare it to the Inox.

                                Evan.

                                Comment

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