1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
In my opinion, general lubrication is a trickier that it seems. Many people opt for something like WD-40 for all uses. While WD-40 is probably OK for the door hinges in your house, it has some severe deficiencies when uses indiscriminately.
WD-40, according the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is comprised of 60-70% “aliphatic petroleum distillates” (essentially naphtha or mineral spirits as a carrier) + 15-25% light petroleum based oil. Compare this to, say 3-in-1 oil (non-aerosol), which is 97% “severely hydrotreated heavy napthenic oil” (modified petroleum based oil). While most aerosol spray lubricants have 20-30% solvent as a carrier for the oil, WD-40 is more a solvent cleaner with a light residual oil than a lubricant. Used on items like locks, the solvent in WD-40 can actually wash away the existing lubricant in the locks leaving very little lubrication behind.
For the suspension bushings, sunroof glides, door hinges, throttle linkages, etc; try “Super-Lube” (http://www.super-lube.com). Super-Lube is made by both Synco Chemical Corp. and Loctite (under license from Synco). It is synthetic grease (70-80% hydrogenated polyalphaolefins + 10-20% mineral oil) fortified with Teflon (1-3%). It comes in a tube or in an aerosol can. The aerosol (75% heptane carrier + 25% synthetic grease) is very handy for door hinges and hard to reach areas because it applies as a liquid, then sets up as grease. Super Lube dries clear, stays where it is put, and will resist washout by both fresh and salt water. The manufacture states that Super-Lube "will not stain or harm wood, rubber, leather, plastics, fabrics and paint", a statement that is correct based on my usage of the product.
For door locks, throttle cables/linkages, etc; I use “Tri-Flow Superior Lubricant with Teflon” in the aerosol can. Tri-Flow contains premium oils, extreme pressure additives and Teflon (45-65% modified petroleum oil + 20-25% naphtha solvent carrier).
Rob Mustard (aka. REM in Seattle)
1984 Saab 900T, 3 door, 5-sp; 242,000 miles RIP
1991 Alfa Romeo Spider, convertible, 5-sp; 91,000 miles
1998 Saab 900SET, 5 door, automatic; 58,000 miles
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