Torsion bar grease nipples

[Thomas591]

On the housing of floating bearings that support the front end of the torsion bar are little grease nipples. Guess how I know: when removing the torsion bars from my 411 S5 I tore the grease nipples off.
I managed to remove the remains of the grease nipples out of the bearing housing, but now I need two new grease nipples. Can anybody tell me which thread these nipples have?

Thanks

Thomas

[Roger Morrall]

I’m intrigued by your question. I understand the early 411s used the same set up as the 410s - which were the last cars that parts lists were issued for, details can be found on this forum at Resources - Bristol Cars - Owners and Enthusiasts Forum

So I’m wondering 1) what significant changes to the above set up were introduced on the S5 411 as there is nothing resembling what you show in your hand in the above link, and 2) why grease nipples were deemed necessary anyway. The front ends of the torsion bars are essentially permanently fixed once the ride height has been adjusted, so I’d have thought a smear of copper grease on assembly would be more than ample to allow for dis-assembly or adjustment. The latter certainly sufficed for the set up used on earlier cars so I’m thinking perhaps you don’t really need to worry about grease nipples anyway.

[Thomas591]

I assume that the change to the suspension system was made when the ride height control system was introduced. For some information on this setup you can check here:

Resources - Bristol Cars - Owners and Enthusiasts Forum

The floating bearing is a needle roller bearing in a cylindrical housing. To protect the needles they have to be greased from time to time or else moisture will damage the rollers.

In the attached picture you can see the end of the torsion bar wich slides in the floating bearing.

[Roger Morrall]

Ah, yes, now I understand, very many thanks for your clarification.

And good luck with your search for the right grease nipples.

Roger

[Thomas591]

Just to close this topic: they are 3/16" BSF.