Aluminum nipple replacement
01-02-19, 12:36 PM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Aluminum nipple replacement
I bought a used Cannondale Lefty that came with a Stan's ZTR Race Gold wheelset. The combined effects of the high sealant pH and heavily salted winter roads lead to corrosion of the aluminum nipples. Best would be to switch them all out for brass ones. I haven't built wheels since my 1971 Fiamme Yellow Labels and need some advice. Should I 1) forget about it and get a new wheelset, 2) replace the nipples 1 by 1 or 3) completely disassemble the wheels and start as if building new wheels? Details would much appreciated.
01-03-19, 06:55 AM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Munising, Michigan, USA
Posts: 4,131
Bikes: Priority 600, Priority Continuum, Devinci Dexter
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 685 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 55 Times
in
37 Posts
Either 2 or 3. Probably #2 . I'd probably throw the wheel into my truing stand and replace the nipples one by one, and get the tension of each close to correct before moving on to the next. Thinking about it some more, I could even measure the tension of each spoke prior to the nipple swap, making it easier to get the tension close to correct afterward.
01-03-19, 07:49 AM
#3
On Holiday
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,014
Bikes: A bunch of old steel bikes
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 394 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times
in
12 Posts
Probably #2 . I'd probably throw the wheel into my truing stand and replace the nipples one by one, and get the tension of each close to correct before moving on to the next. Thinking about it some more, I could even measure the tension of each spoke prior to the nipple swap, making it easier to get the tension close to correct afterward.
01-03-19, 08:02 AM
#4
don't try this at home.
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: N. KY
Posts: 5,936
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 973 Post(s)
Liked 511 Times
in
351 Posts
If the nipples already show corrosion, how hard will it be to unscrew them from the spokes? This might be a difficult job?
01-03-19, 11:59 AM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 12,902
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
Mentioned: 129 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4802 Post(s)
Liked 3,922 Times
in
2,551 Posts
I"ll preface this with - I like building wheels. I'd loosen all the nipples, then replace them, screwing each on, oh say, 3 turns, greasing the spoke threads with marine boat trailer hub grease ($8 at any auto parts store). THhen tighten and true like any from scratch wheel. I'd consider replacing the rim also at the same time if it is a rim brake one and has seen wear. I know winter grit is very hard on braking surfaces. But an identical (or at least identical ERD) rim. Line up the valve hole of the new rim with that of the old. Tape the two together. Run each spoke to the new rim as you replace the nipples. Barely more work than what you are doing anyways.)
Ben
Ben
01-08-19, 08:02 PM
#8
Senior Member
I'm sorry, but every time I read the thread title I think: "That would take some real brass balls."
01-14-19, 01:30 PM
#9
glorified 5954
lol!
To OP: took me awhile to find my old post but check it out. I had this exact situation with a super nice wheelset. Ended up buying brass nipples from Aliexpress on the cheap and rebuilding the wheels for about $5. Definitely option #1 !
Link to MTBR forum post.
Make sure to read the whole post for great information on galvanic corrosion.
To OP: took me awhile to find my old post but check it out. I had this exact situation with a super nice wheelset. Ended up buying brass nipples from Aliexpress on the cheap and rebuilding the wheels for about $5. Definitely option #1 !
Link to MTBR forum post.
Make sure to read the whole post for great information on galvanic corrosion.
Last edited by pressed001; 01-14-19 at 01:36 PM.
