Zipp corroded nipple problem

[guylimey]

I have a pair of 303's and not sure if they are the original spoke nipples or not but the nipples have corroded and when I try and turn them with a spoke key the nipple just crumbles apart Obviously unable to release or increase tension on the nipple as a result. Any ideas on how to get these things to turn? Really don't want to have to cut and replace the spokes.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by guylimey

I have a pair of 303's and not sure if they are the original spoke nipples or not but the nipples have corroded and when I try and turn them with a spoke key the nipple just crumbles apart Obviously unable to release or increase tension on the nipple as a result. Any ideas on how to get these things to turn? Really don't want to have to cut and replace the spokes.

You can try to 'soak' with something like liquid wrench but I think you are at that ..........stage

Use brass nipps, lube well.

[BumbleBeeDave]

. . . to Old-P's suggestion, but how old are the wheels? Also, any sign they are pulling through the carbon on the rim?

BBD

[Peter P.]

I'm guessing the nipples are aluminum and had a galvanic reaction to the carbon.

I don't think you have a choice but to replace the spokes or at least break all the nipples and replace with brass.

[guylimey]

Yes they appear to be aluminium nipples - fortunately no sign of them pulling through the carbon. Guess I need to look for a complete set of spokes and cut the old ones.