I just bought new inserts for the traditional footboards and I am wondering what's the best way to get the rubber nipples (Heh heh) through the holes in the pans....yank with pliers? Some sort of lube? Help a brother out.....thanks

 

Use your teeth (heh heh) or yeah, pliers might work too. Last ones I did came through ok by pushing on the top, and pulling a little by hand underneath, But that was on a set of softail rear boards. For your front, it really wouldn't matter if you mark then up a bit as they won't be seen. Just don't pull your nipples to hard and yank them right off (heh heh)

 

I never installed the inserts, but I've had success with doing similar tasks using dish soap as lube. You can maybe dilute it a bit with water, but I usually go with straight up dish soap. It will dry up or wash off as time passes.

 

Yes. Dish soap and pliers man

 

Same as above, dish soap and just work them in.

 

All the above advice will get you there...
I have done a few .. I used vaseline .. Put some on the nipples, and the holes of the board where the nipples go through...
When you get the nipples in as far possible, pull end of nipple with pliers .. When you pull with pliers, make a wiggling motion, (you dont want to pull the nipple off), and they will pop right in !!!!

 

Dish soap and Vaseline on the nipples then wiggle with pliers? Sounds kinda kinky but I haven't slept a lot in the past week so maybe I read this all wrong...

 

I used Windex or glass cleaner. Evaporates rather quickly after you are done. Use needle nose pliers to gently wiggle through. Have used this method several times.

 

Soapy water works fine and is sort of free, but I keep a can of silicone spray around for just such purposes.
As has been said, you also need to carefully PULL the **** through carefully with pliers,
It's almost impossible to push the **** through.