Making a neat hole in Rubber / Polyurethane?.

[Keithmac]

Hello all.

Just wondering the best way to make a neat 5mm or 6mm hole in these rubber / Polyurethane bellows?.

I need an entry and exit hole to pump them full of PU adhesive / sealant to form semi solid propshaft mounts.

Mulling it over on the way home I've come up with warming the chuck end of a drill bit up and using that to melt a hole but would be interested in any other ideas!.

They will be a half way house between stock and the full on race prop mounts that may be too stiff for road use?.

Using Everbuild Puraflex? PU40.

 

[roofman]

I would try something thin walled and hollow like a bit of steel brake pipe with the hole made bigger. Only need it big enough to get a sealant cartridge nozzle in. I should think the smaller hole the better in the rubber.

 

[Keithmac]

Good idea with the brake pipe, I've got some kicking around I think.

We used to use hollow needles to insert Datatags in bike seats but I can't find one for love nor money now!.

 

[Erie Fred]

Good idea with the brake pipe, I've got some kicking around I think.

We used to use hollow needles to insert Datatags in bike seats but I can't find one for love nor money now!.

I think I saw larger bore needles (like we use with a grease gun) at the local vet supplier/feedmill.

 

[bricol]

Is it a bellows, or a one sided thing?

If it's failed, look up the Jimi fix for Porsche Cayenne - it worked well on my Dodge, and even better on my Alfa that has two such mounts down the prop. I added to it with polyurethane sealant too.

If it's failed completely, look up JXB in the USA either for a component, or ideas.

My Dodge prop is non-serviceable, although earlier years were ($30 new bearing vs $1200 new prop) and I'm not sure about the Alfa - I know of one company that successfully did it.

 

[bricol]

I think I saw larger bore needles (like we use with a grease gun) at the local vet supplier/feedmill.

I'd never seen grease needles here in the UK (which doesn't mean they aren't available here of course) - saw them in Autozone, bought a couple - certainly shut up a bearing on my 2007 Alfa. I live in hope it's nicely extending it's life.

 

[Erie Fred]

I'd never seen grease needles here in the UK (which doesn't mean they aren't available here of course) - saw them in Autozone, bought a couple - certainly shut up a bearing on my 2007 Alfa. I live in hope it's nicely extending it's life.

Maybe you could loan one to the OP ?

 

[Ross365]

You need to find someone who has a set of "cork hole borers", as used in chemistry labs https://www.zoro.co.uk/shop/laborat...7&utm_source=awin&utm_content=37557361638 | 0

 

[Screwdriver]

I wouldn't recommend melting a hole in polyurethane. It is a thermoset plastic and once it's set, does not remelt. You would end up burning a hole through it and risk compromising the durability of the part.

I'd be more tempted to punch a hole with one of those leather punch tools (cheap as chips, dead handy).

 

[addjunkie]

Good idea with the brake pipe, I've got some kicking around I think.

We used to use hollow needles to insert Datatags in bike seats but I can't find one for love nor money now!.

Micro chipping gun has a large bore needle. But not sure youd get adhesive through it.

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[RichardM]

I have a set of cork hole borers, but they don't go down to 5 / 6mm. What's the thickness of the rubber? Make yourself a thin walled tube and sharpen the end, then use it to make a hole in the rubber where you want (think wad punch).

 

[bricol]

Maybe you could loan one to the OP ?

It was bad enough getting grease down it! Getting some form of sealant down them take massive effort and a long time.

 

[Tupers]

Go to a model shop and get a piece of K&S brass tube. It’s much thinner wall than brake pipe and sharpens well.

 

[Keithmac]

Is it a bellows, or a one sided thing?

If it's failed, look up the Jimi fix for Porsche Cayenne - it worked well on my Dodge, and even better on my Alfa that has two such mounts down the prop. I added to it with polyurethane sealant too.

If it's failed completely, look up JXB in the USA either for a component, or ideas.

My Dodge prop is non-serviceable, although earlier years were ($30 new bearing vs $1200 new prop) and I'm not sure about the Alfa - I know of one company that successfully did it.

They are bellows with a centre bearing.

My original ones are shot so I have two brand new ones that I want to inject with PU and let them set up before fitting.

 

[Keithmac]

I only really have access to one side of the bellows (not the back side of it for support).

The sharp hollow tube to punch through it is probably best idea.

The hole will eventually be filled flush with the PU adhesive.

I'd just like to do as neater job as possible really, even though nobody will ever see it!.

 

[Keithmac]

Need to make something like this I think, but sharper.

 

[arther dailey]

dremel with tiny grinding bit , or freeze and drill.

 

[Keithmac]

dremel with tiny grinding bit , or freeze and drill.

Did think about drilling but not freezing first, interesting idea!.

I have these coming for tomorrow night, might be able to sharpen them up enough to punch a hole through.

 

[Keithmac]

Next question is do I put a hole in the top at front and bottom at the back or both same side?, does it really matter.

Starting to over think things now..

 

[Ian X]

Go to a model shop and get a piece of K&S brass tube. It’s much thinner wall than brake pipe and sharpens well.

That is what I have used to punch holes in neoprene rubber sheet. Cut a piece off, place in drill chuck and use a smooth file to sharpen the end or the tip of a triangle scraper to sharpen the inside. Worked a treat for me.