Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Can someone advise on the lubrication to be added in the lower trunnion seal assembly during installation? I am referring to the portion of the lower trunnion that attachs to the lower wishbone; seal and sleeve P/N's 36 C 6029 to 6032 & bush 36 C 6002. This portion of the lower trunnion appears to be separate from the lubrication provided to the trunnion via the grease nipple fitting.

thx

I've always just assembled with grease (eg general purpose Castrol LM grease) on all moving surfaces and on the rubber seals. There is no servicing specified as far as I know. This is with the standard bushes. You do also see poly bushes (are these self-lubricating?) but I've been advised against using them.

Paddy

I just did the job. Brian Buckland recommends copperslip on the bolts to prevent the bolt and sleeve from rusting together.

Thanks guys. Was going to use copper grease but wanted to check.

stugilmour wrote:

"Thanks guys. Was going to use copper grease but wanted to check."

Um, maybe not. Anti-seize compound, unless it explicitly says it is a lubricant, is an ABRASIVE. Its intended use is on metal threads to seal against corrosive action, not as grease.

John White, an active poster awhile back on the Europa list, had a PO "grease" his wheel bearings liberally with anti-seize. Predictably, the abrasive copper bits did what abrasives are intended to do.

If you "greased" your trunnions with anti-seize, I recommend you clean everything thoroughly and start over. when you get to the part where you're attaching the nut to the through bolt, THEN you can take out your anti-seize and smear a bit on the threads prior to assembly.

As with all products, it is helpful to read the label before use.

Yes - copper antisieze is not for lubricating moving parts it is to make sure two stationary parts can be later spearated,

However anti sieze is suitable for use on the bolt inside the steel crush tube. The bolt does not move relative to the crush tube. The crush tube moves relative to the nylon bush as the suspension moves.

Anti sieze on the bolt makes sure you can remove it from the tube

cheers
Rohan

Thanks guys.

Sound like I am OK as I put Permatex Copper Anti-Sieze Lubricant (Number 09127) on the through bolt and it's associated nut & threads where it goes through the metal tube. I did not put any on the rubber seals or the associated cup washers that fit together at the two ends.

Easy to add any other product at this point. So far have left the soft seals dry as figured any product would just hold dirt and grunge. Should I be putting something on the seals such as silicone spray?

thx

I have always left the cup washers and rubber seals dry.

cheers
Rohan