Pit Boss K24 Kamado - Hinge Upgrade

[murky024]

So I just wanted to share I have really struggle with the hinge assembly on the K24. I had a replacement hinge setup sent from Pit Boss for some unrelated issued for the lower ring and that setup did not allow the hinge to fully tighten down. I decided to add 4 thrust bearings to shim out the hinge swing arm and help even it out between the upper and lower section of the hinge. It seems to make the hinge much more stable and close and open better.

Edit:
Just thought I would share in case anyone else was having issues.

Below is a link to the bearings I used:
HiPicco Thrust Ball Bearings, 4pcs 51100 Plane Axial Ball Bearing 3-in-1, 10mm x 24mm x 9mm Chrome Steel ABEC3 Single Row Roller https://a.co/d/b8Om9Zj

 

[jaykav]

Doesn't pertain to my smoker but cool upgrade/fix def looks heavy duty now

 

[theploeg]

So I just wanted to share I have really struggle with the hinge assembly on the K24. I had a replacement hinge setup sent from Pit Boss for some unrelated issued for the lower ring and that setup did not allow the hinge to fully tighten down. I decided to add 4 thrust bearings to shim out the hinge swing arm and help even it out between the upper and lower section of the hinge. It seems to make the hinge much more stable and close and open better.

Edit:
Just thought I would share in case anyone else was having issues.
View attachment 4145

Below is a link to the bearings I used:
HiPicco Thrust Ball Bearings, 4pcs 51100 Plane Axial Ball Bearing 3-in-1, 10mm x 24mm x 9mm Chrome Steel ABEC3 Single Row Roller https://a.co/d/b8Om9Zj

This is perfect timing!!

I just bought a used K24 and one of those bolts is bent and missing the nut. How did you take them out, is it not under load with the springs? I tried to remove a spring but there was too much load on it. What was your process doing it? Hard for me to tell from the picture the order you have them on, it looks to be bolt head, bracket, bracket, thrust bearing, thrust bearing, bracket, washer then nut. Is that correct? Did you use the stock bolts or get longer ones? Sorry for so many questions just trying to avoid getting three springs to the forehead. Thanks in advance.

 

[murky024]

This is perfect timing!!

I just bought a used K24 and one of those bolts is bent and missing the nut. How did you take them out, is it not under load with the springs? I tried to remove a spring but there was too much load on it. What was your process doing it? Hard for me to tell from the picture the order you have them on, it looks to be bolt head, bracket, bracket, thrust bearing, thrust bearing, bracket, washer then nut. Is that correct? Did you use the stock bolts or get longer ones? Sorry for so many questions just trying to avoid getting three springs to the forehead. Thanks in advance.

Yes, you have to remove the springs first... The process I generally followed was:

1. Take the top cover off the hinge assembly (held on with like 5 screws if I remember, 3 on the top and one on each side
2. Take off the springs. I used a long screw driver and vice grips to do this
3. Remove the bolts and screws holding the hinge assembly together

The thrust bearing is directly between the hinge arm and the hinge body. There are two think washer looking things in my picture that is the open race for the bearing. Let me know if you need anything, I am happy to take it apart a little so you can get more pictures.

I did not need to buy longer bolts as mine were long enough.

 

[theploeg]

Yes, you have to remove the springs first... The process I generally followed was:

1. Take the top cover off the hinge assembly (held on with like 5 screws if I remember, 3 on the top and one on each side
2. Take off the springs. I used a long screw driver and vice grips to do this
3. Remove the bolts and screws holding the hinge assembly together

The thrust bearing is directly between the hinge arm and the hinge body. There are two think washer looking things in my picture that is the open race for the bearing. Let me know if you need anything, I am happy to take it apart a little so you can get more pictures.

I did not need to buy longer bolts as mine were long enough.

thanks for the reply. Was away for the weekend so couldn't get to this but going to try doing this later this week. Thanks for the added details. It looks to me in the picture that you only used one thrust bearing per side but you say you used 4? Are my eyes playing tricks with me, did stack two on each side? I'll let you know if I can replicate your genius.

 

[murky024]

Sorry for the delayed response. Summer is a crazy time at my household.

Here is a picture of the back with the cover off so you can see the whole hinge better. So if I REALLY would have paid attention it looks like you could use up to 8 of the bearings. I need to take it apart to confirm if they would fit but I assume it would and if I take it apart again, I will have the extra bearings.