Lubrication question

[Tinster]

Thanks again for helping this old non-mechanic guy.
Another stupid question, I'm afraid to say.

I've gutted the driver's side suspension down to
the bare metal of the frame.

I have all new upgraded bushings, all new #8 thru-bolts,
all new washers and nuts and I have cleaned all the existing
studs and threaded holes with tap and die.

Questions:

1. Do the bushings get greased before I install them?
2. Do the shiny metal, cleaned threads get some light
oil on them so they do not rust?
3. Since I live by the ocean should I routinely spray
the suspension area with a light coating of anti-rust
liquid like I do my boat engine?
4. Do torque settings change if I oil the fastener threads?

thanks as always,

dale

 

[YankeeTR]

A liitle grease on the bushings won't hurt. I'd find a can of "anti-seize" (either silver or copper) and use that on all of the threaded fasteners plus anywhere a shaft may be in metal to metalcontact...it will help keep the moisture out and makes it easier to diassemble down the road.

 

[TR3driver]

Petroleum products like most grease, oil, and anti-seize compounds will degrade the rubber used in car suspensions over time, shortening it's life. But poly or Nylatron aren't affected and should be lubricated. Poly in particular tends to squeak when dry.

Copper-based anti-seize seems to work better than the silver stuff for me, although it's more expensive and harder to find.

In theory, the torque setting should change when you lubricate the threads. But the exact amount depends on the exact lubricant, and the exact fastener. In practice, it's reasonably safe to use the middle of the range of the given torque values.

 

[RonMacPherson]

I agree, the only addition I can make is to use the "special" bushing grease available for the bushings. Stuff like Dow 50(I believe, it's been so long since I did it. comes in a little green tube and most bearing supply houses have it) Or hot rod shops,or poly bushing suppliers should be able to sell you some. Go with the antisieze, just a light coat on the shaft of the bolt(no threads) and on the threads). If you are using good marine plated hardware should not have to do more than an occasional lube spray to keep the rust off.

 

[guzzul]

1. Do the bushings get greased before I install them?

For rubber bushes, I use silicone grease. You can usually find it cheap in the plumbing section of your local hardware.

 

[angelfj1]

Dale: Remember how hard it was to get some of those fasteners apart? You might consider anti-seize lubricant on some of those threaded connections.

 

[Guest]

1. Do the bushings get greased before I install them?

For rubber bushes, I use silicone grease. You can usually find it cheap in the plumbing section of your local hardware.

Or soapy water.

 

[John_Mc]

I've gutted the driver's side suspension down to
the bare metal of the frame.

I have all new upgraded bushings, all new #8 thru-bolts,
all new washers and nuts and I have cleaned all the existing
studs and threaded holes with tap and die.

I can't wait to see the photos, Dale (since I know you always keep very detailed photo records of your work). I love seeing before and after suspension photos almost as much as before and after engine bay photos! And with your usual attention to detail, I'm sure it'll be a work of art! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thumbsup.gif