Speed king maintenance. (Pics)

The thread on the new direct drive pedal from Pearl got me thinking about my old Speed King. I bought it used in 1977, but I think it is 60's vintage. It still works great today.

About every six months or so, I do a little maintenance. Today, I decided to take pictures of the process. My camera doesn't do close-ups very well.

Here is what I use:

A screwdriver, some grease (I got the cheapest can at Wal-Mart), a couple of Q-tips, and some paper towels (it can get a little messy).

First, locate the screws on the bottom:

Then unscrew the screws while counting the number of turns till the head is flush with the base:

Counting the number of turns will get you in the ballpark tension-wise when you put the screws back in.

Here's what the screws look like:

Here is the bottom with the screws removed:

You can see the bottom of the compression springs. I don't remove them.

I pack grease into the screw holes:

Insert the screws:

and screw them in until the old grease gets forced up through the top of the posts:

Work the beater mechanism a little to help get the grease flowing. I then remove the screws and pack the holes as many times till the grease coming out the top isn't black and gunky looking. Today I only had to do it twice.

Which brings us to the topic of the famous Speed King squeak. I believe that this is the culprit:

It's where the pedal board

attaches to the metal strap.

Just put a little grease where the pin goes into the strap and you're good to go.

I'm sure there are others who do things differently, but this has worked for me and the pedal is probably at least 40 years old and counting. It'll probably outlast me.

Thanks for the tips and pics! Well designed pedal.

Yea man, thanks! That was good. Wish I knew to do that stuff back when I was 14 and owned one. Brings back memories.

Yea man, thanks! That was good. Wish I knew to do that stuff back when I was 14 and owned one. Brings back memories.

You have memories! Cool.

Thank you, Isits, good stuff.

One thing I forgot to mention is to keep a paper towel in your pocket the first time you use it after using the grease. The grease will still ooze out a little, but will stop after a few songs.

thanks lsits. nice posts!

Awesome, I'm going to go try it on mine!

Here is a collection of tips and tricks for rebuilding a Speed King from another forum. They work well.

Thanks lsits...you brought back many happy memories. I used a Speed King up to the 80's when I bought my Camco. It was still a fun pedal and a classic in drum memorabilia!

Two. I have two. This is one of them. The other one, well, let's just say..........

I have a vintage Speed King as well but its not working the way I'd like with the various techniques being used. I'll try & see if this helps, thanks.

I'd still be using my Speed King if I didn't need a double pedal for some of my brother's newer tunes.

I chose an Axis A2 to replace it because the Axis felt more like the Speed King than anything else I tried.

That's a great maintenance tip.

I think you're right about the squeak spot.

I'll have to give that a shot. Got one on my old kit.

Thanks 3-plyguy.

The overnight soak seems a little harsh,

but I'm sure it works on a gunked up old pedal.