OK, all is well now. I removed the caps, and yes, your alternative 2 was correct, Batterhead: the bearings had moved in both posts, blocking the piston.

Removing the caps etc was a breeze, and the pedal is now as smooth as ever. I am going to play it this afternoon.

Thanks GG Vintage and Batterhead for invaluable help,

Magnus

What do you do if the pin that goes through the heel plate on your speed king has too much play? Any tips?

If you mean it keeps coming apart...try using a little thing called an "e-clip" you'll probably need 1 for each side...I had one pedal that was like that...I've had others where I can't get the pin out...it's like a "hammered-end" rivet. There's a guy on e-bay who charges WAY too much money for his work, but he removes the pin and puts in a long Nut & Bolt...I don't think I like that idea.

I believe that what he meant was, what do you do if there is too much slop in the hinge of the heel plate. This is usually caused by the pivot being worn away or "ovaled" due to lack of lubrication. Short of complete replacement of the footboard unit, or machining the parts for bushing inserts and a new pin, there's not much you can do to a worn out footboard hinge.

I've seen thousands of speed kings for sale on Ebay in the last 10 years or so.....99% of them have that issue. Its rare to find a vintage one that isn't worn out it such a way. When you do find one that isn't all worn out, they bring top $$.

That's how I did mine 15 years ago. I made a new shaft out of 1/4 steel rod. cut grooves in it for the E clips with a hacksaw while spinning the shaft in a drill press. Drilled new 1/4" holes in the base plate. Nylon washers on the inside and outside of the ears of the base plate. I made new bronze bushings but should have used nylon.

It was the shaky problem (elongated holes) rather than coming to bits. Put a new rod into it and it's secure now, albeit looking slightly different. :-)

anybody got any suggestions on how to replace the rubber under the bottom plate

find the black rubber matting at a home improvement center and contact cement it onto the bottom and then cut around pedal with a razor blade works great when it wears out rinse and repeat...

Also the guy online that reworks speed kings does awesome work I sent one of mine to him and it is the very best speedking I have ever used and no squeeks no play anywhere.. and repainted and buffed back to better than factory looks... so expensive yes, but you get what ya pay for...

Thanks Mike

I thought that was the way to go, I have my pedal all cleaned out and re greased (feels great now) so I have to repaint the post and the foot board then I will add the rubber. I have managed to polish the end caps with the j rouge, so everything is coming together nicely. I can't afford to send it away and I am enjoying doing this anyway. The shop I got it from has another pedal and I am tempted to go and get that one too.

The bearings for Speed King are "nice 405-7"

http://www.plccenter.com/Buy/NICE%20SKF/4057

They are available from Ludwig or a good bearing supply house.