How to Replace the Manifold Nipple on an Air Compressor

If leaking seals and service bills are distressing your compressor, it's time to face the fix. While air compressors can be as diverse as the individuals that use them, most models share some general characteristics and components. Whether you are inflating your tires or creating empires, eReplacementParts.com provides the parts, procedures and facts you need to fearlessly fix what fails you.

The manifold nipple connects the manifold assembly to the air tank on a compressor.

Less than impressed with your compressor? Replacing the manifold nipple may be the solution. This article will show you how to complete the repair like an expert technician.   THE FACTS | THE FIX | THE FINISH ! DEPRESSURIZE THE AIR TANK.

Always depressurize the tank before servicing an air compressor. To do this, open the drain valve and wait until all of the air (and pressure) has escaped.

  REMOVING THE MANIFOLD NIPPLE  [top] 1. Remove the manifold cover.

Remove the retaining screw.

Lift the manifold cover away from the unit.

    2. Remove the hose that connects the manifold to the pressure switch.

SPECIFIX: Crimp-style hose connectors are designed for one-time installation only. The clamps will be destroyed during the removal process, so be sure to order (or have on-hand) additional hose connectors for your specific repair project.

Use heavy-duty wire cutters to simultaneously cut and twist the protruding tabs of the hose connector clamp until it breaks free.

Use hose-puller pliers to remove the hose from the manifold.

    3. Remove the pump assembly from the tank.

Remove the front retaining screw.

Remove the rear retaining screw.

Slide the pump assembly to the side.

Lift the pump assembly away from the tank.

    4. Remove the manifold from the tank.

Rotate the manifold assembly (in a counterclockwise direction) to loosen the connection.

Remove the manifold from the tank.

    5. Remove the manifold nipple (from the tank or manifold).

Use pliers to remove the manifold nipple from the tank (or from the manifold).

      INSTALLING THE NEW MANIFOLD NIPPLE [top] 6. Install the new manifold nipple.

Apply thread sealant to both sides of the new manifold nipple.

Thread the manifold nipple into the tank until it is hand-tight.

    REASSEMBLING THE UNIT [top]  7. Reinstall the manifold assembly.

Thread the manifold assembly onto the nipple.

Rotate the manifold assembly until both connections are secure.

    8. Reinstall the pump assembly onto the tank.

Place the pump assembly onto the air tank.

Slide the pump assembly sideways to engage the isolator feet.

Secure the pump to the tank with the rear mounting screw.

Secure the pump to the tank with the front mounting screw.

  9. Reinstall the hose.

Place a new hose connector clamp over the end of the hose.

Install the hose onto the manifold.

Use end-nip pliers to crimp the sides of the connector and secure the hose.

     10. Reinstall the manifold cover.

Install the manifold cover.

Secure the manifold cover with the screw.

  THE FACTS | THE FIX | THE FINISH

A well-maintained air compressor can mean the difference between performance under pressure, and under-pressured performance. But you don't have to empty your pockets to keep your air tank full. As you just learned, repairing your air compressor is simpler than you think, especially when you follow our step-by-step guides. Not only did you refresh compression at a fraction of the cost of replacement; you have inflated your ability to fearlessly face the next fix, regardless of the pressure involved. Find your next fix here.   [top]