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TR6 TR6 trunion help - how tight, correct lubricant?
- Thread starter ichthos
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V
vagt6
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Regarding the use of oil instead of grease, the original owner's manual and the Haynes manual recommend oil in the trunnions. Since most of the factory folks are six feet under (rest their souls 
, we can't know the exact reasons for the oil recommendation although it may be related to the tendency for the old-type greases to solidify over time.
In my experience with antique cars and motorcycles I've found that it often pays to go with the manufacturer's recommendation, since their engineers designed the vehicle.
However, as Randall indicates, grease works well in his car. I think that if the car is used as most of our Triumphs (i.e., on clean, dry, paved roads), it probably makes no significant difference. But if the car is driven in very dusty/dirty environments (i.e., dirt roads; mud; wet conditions, etc.), oil is probably the best trunnion lubricant for the reasons I stated above: it's less likely to retain solid particles and become an abrasive agent.
And as always, YMMV.
, we can't know the exact reasons for the oil recommendation although it may be related to the tendency for the old-type greases to solidify over time.In my experience with antique cars and motorcycles I've found that it often pays to go with the manufacturer's recommendation, since their engineers designed the vehicle.
However, as Randall indicates, grease works well in his car. I think that if the car is used as most of our Triumphs (i.e., on clean, dry, paved roads), it probably makes no significant difference. But if the car is driven in very dusty/dirty environments (i.e., dirt roads; mud; wet conditions, etc.), oil is probably the best trunnion lubricant for the reasons I stated above: it's less likely to retain solid particles and become an abrasive agent.
And as always, YMMV.
TR3driver
Great Pumpkin - R.I.P
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Just for clarity, my car was a TR3A, and the factory recommendation up to the TR4 was for grease. Grease makes a very effective dirt trap, so I doubt there is any outside dirt getting down inside where one would worry about wear. Wear particles would be a different story, as they are generated right where the wear occurs. But adding grease should push them out eventually; and wear particles have not appeared to be a problem for me.
I do drive mostly on dry, paved roads, as that is what most roads are around here. But I have been out in the dirt probably more often than most owners take their Triumphs; as the mountain roads around here are one of my favorite places to play and they frequently turn to gravel/dirt without warning. Hanging the tail out and throwing a rooster tail IS a lot of fun (but likely explains why my paint jobs don't hold up very well
)
This is a local friend of mine, I didn't make that run. But I would love to go some day!
I do drive mostly on dry, paved roads, as that is what most roads are around here. But I have been out in the dirt probably more often than most owners take their Triumphs; as the mountain roads around here are one of my favorite places to play and they frequently turn to gravel/dirt without warning. Hanging the tail out and throwing a rooster tail IS a lot of fun (but likely explains why my paint jobs don't hold up very well
This is a local friend of mine, I didn't make that run. But I would love to go some day!