I know WD-40 is not to be used in nylon applications and that sort of thing. Also, I'm going to be taking the linkage apart completely and I need something that will last a good, perminant, long time.

I've got dry graphite lube, 3 in 1 oil, and WD-40. Is there any of these that I should NOT be using?

And what lubricants *should* I use?

 

Also, what kind of cleaners should I use? I've got a big huge can of carb cleaner right here. What else can I use?

 

I used some STP silicone lubricant (spray) i got from AutoZone and its alright.

 

Silicone. That sounds like good stuff. Wasn't there some other chem/compound that lube is sometimes made from?

 

ive had good luck with wd40, bad with silicon and white grease. my advise is to find something that works and stick with it, mine is picky about what lube i use

mike

 

What you're looking for something that has high "film strength" (stays stuck to the metal surfaces) and prevent corrosion (sunroof assembly is exposed to the elements) on top of the obvious lubrication properties.

In my experience, WD-40 is a good penetrant, but it evaporate quickly and does not last very long.&nbsp I would not use WD-40 on something you want to lubricate and forget for a long time (i.e. several years).

On the other hand, molybdenum and (white) lithium based greases are what you're looking for.&nbsp Both types offer high film strength and prevent corrision.&nbsp The one downside of these greases is that they attract a lot of crud and dirt that tends to just stick to the greased surfaces.

A good option is to get a synthetic based grease, which has superior lubrication properties.&nbsp I prefer Redline (CV-2) myself.



-Ted

 

Ted, I've gone out and bought everything you've suggested with the exception of the Redline stuff. Where can I find it?

 

Check Redlines homepage and look up one of their distributors. Redline Oils It was actually a bit difficult to find the CV-2 grease here in South CA and ended up finding it at a small "hot rod' shop. Search online also. I payed about 10 bucks.

 

Anyone have any links on how to disassemble the sunroof stuff to clean and grease it? casue mine works... sort of. Im guessing that it's very dirty because everytime i use it, i have to use my hand to push it up or down for the first/last part of its slow journey. It just seems to get stuck. i dont wanna burn out my motor, so....

 

I poured some spare Redline MT-90 in the roof tracks after cleaning them. Doubt thats the best or right for the tracks, but the sunroof does move damn fast now

 

i think grease will last the longest, WD-40 definitely does NOT last long, i've got a tube of Lithium Based All-Purpose Grease made by Sta-Lube and it works wonders, it says on the tube that its weather resistant, heat resistant, and prevents corosion.

 

JumpyRoo, this is JumpyRoo from the future. I've come back to November from January to tell you not to use any of the things you listed. In fact, WD-40 works great for cleaning out the crud you will encounter two weeks from what is my present (And your future, whoo.) time. But carb cleaner works better in that department, especially with your sister's toothbrush and some qtips and old towels. Use RedLine CV-2 for the lubing and you will be incredibly happy. And buy it with this link, they ship damn fast: http://www.racerpartswholesale.com

 

I love CV-2, and it is indeed not easy to find. I had our shop stock it while I was still working there, and we used it for everything. Best grease ever.

 

Do use: Silicone spray
Don't use: Any grease.

I use the white grease first and its terrible in cold weather and attracts crud like there's no tomorrow (remember grease is typically used in enclosed places under dust caps etc). Scraped it all of and used silicone lube (spray can) and its been great ever since.

Henrik
87TII

 

Silicon, lithium or graphite lubs all work exceptionally well.

 

In 4 years on 2 7's I've used silicone spray lube maybe 6 times. It flushes out the crud and leaves a lube film.
Same with the window regulator and antenna..

 

I have to agree with the silicone spray. I used it to clean out the crud and then doused everything that moved up there with it. My sunroof opens without me having to push up on it anymore!!!

 

I wouldn't have wound up using a grease if it hadn't been for CV-2. I'm thinking about using both... does anyone know if they mix? Cuz of lot of this stuff will *not* mix

 

How bout dry graphite lube?

James

 

The dry graphite lube was a disappointment. Besides, when it mixes with other stuff it just seems to turn to dirt. But most of it came off the rails pretty quickly.

 

Graphite is mainly for brass locks. It's too noble (on the galvanic chart) for aluminum or zinc parts. Graphite + aluminum + electrolyte = corrosion.