Replacing rubbers and the plunger tip
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| Guide details | |
|---|---|
| Topic | Maintenance |
| Applies to | Pinball |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| How often | When rubbers crack, harden, or get dirty; flipper rubbers more often on busy machines |
| Tools needed | Rubber ring kit for your machine Nut driver Small screwdrivers Camera or phone |
Rubber rings get dirty, harden, and crack with age and play. Old rubber makes the ball play dead and can leave black marks on the playfield. Fresh rubber is one of the best upgrades for any machine.
Getting the right rubbers
- Buy a rubber ring kit for your specific machine. Kits list every ring by size.
- If buying individually, your machine's manual lists the size and location of each ring.
- Flipper rubbers come in different colors and materials, which can play slightly differently. Most people start with the original style.
Steps
- Unplug the machine and remove the glass. See Removing the glass and cleaning the playfield.
- Take photos of each area before removing rubbers, so you know where each one goes.
- Replace one area at a time.
- Many rubbers can be rolled off their posts. Others need a plastic piece or a post removed. If so, loosen it with a nut driver, remove the rubber, and tighten it back gently. Don't overtighten into plastic.
- Stretch the new rubber over the posts. Make sure it sits flat and fully seated in the groove.
- Clean the playfield underneath while it's exposed.
Flipper rubbers
Flipper rubbers roll on and off the flipper bat. Stretch the new one over the tip of the bat and work it back into the groove so it sits evenly all the way around.
Plunger tip
The rubber tip on the end of the plunger wears and splits. On most machines, the old tip pulls off and the new one pushes onto the end of the plunger rod. Some machines require removing the plunger to reach it.
After you're done
Check that no rubber is twisted or pinched, then play a few balls and watch for anything that looks off.