Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Don't panic guys - I'm not going to kick off the EP90 vs Grease debate
I'm about to fit new nylon bushes to my trunnions, and was wondering what sort of (if any) lube I should apply to them - i.e. to the outside of the bushes where they fit in the brass trunnion itself and around the outside of the steel insert - or should they be assembled dry?
Looking forwards to the replies
Matt

Generally you receive lubricate packets with the bushings, if you have not, then use red rubber lubricant.
Dan

Cheers Dan

Given that I am having extreme trouble getting the bolt out of one of my trunnions to change it, I would be inclined to put copper grease on the bolt inside the steel spacer tube (Item 20 below) too, so that it will disemble next time.

Have I had problems getting the bolt out of Spitfire and Lotus Elite trunnions - well do bears poo in the woods?????.

The bolt going through the tube will be copiously smothered with copperslip.......but thanks for the reminder
Matt

Matt,

Avoid using regular grease on any plastic parts. Some plastics are not petroleum proof ('resistant' does not equal 'proof'). If you don't know of which plastic a part is made, or how resistant that plastic is, then it's best to not use a petroleum based grease on any plastic part... just to be certain. Having said that, of the common greases, white lithium grease is about as safe as you'll get for plastic parts (Nylon, Delrin, Urethane).

Silicone gel is the far better choice for plastic and rubber parts; however, avoid getting any silicone (including hand prints) on painted surfaces. Failing that, the classic, vegetable based red rubber grease is an option.

The following 3M silicone gel is basically the same stuff that comes in the little packets that usually accompany plastic (urethane) bushings.

3M Item #08946 - Clear Silicone Paste
8 oz brush-top jar -- US$18.43
Available at an automotive parts store near you, or on Amazon.com, here
http://tinyurl.com/q4ctgjn

Regards,
Tim Engel
Lotus Owners Oftha North (LOON)

....and Bill - if the boolt is not coming out, then use heat on the nylon bearings to get them out of the way and that should give you enough room to get a slim angle grinder or dremmel metal cutting disc to cut through the bolt. If that doesn't work, then its probably cheaper to sacrifice the brass trunnion to the gods of angle griding than the wishbone!

...and Tim - I've got red rubber and silicone grease on the shelf - thanks for the advice
Matt