Hi All Everything Auto: Getting Greased While changing the motor oil and filter promotes long engine life, it's also important to consider the multitude of other wear items that require regular lubrication that are in, on or attached to a vehicle. Any time two surfaces rub together they wear each other out. Without the precious molecules of grease in between them, the two halves can stick, squeak, groan and wear out before their time, or fail altogether. While grease comes in many different flavors, it is important to use the right grease for the job.
An added benefit to keeping surfaces greased is protection from moisture, corrosion and rust. Steer clear from lightweight all-purpose lubricants. They might work temporarily, but they don't stick around long enough to repel moisture and provide long-lasting protection against friction or wear. Although there are plenty of so-called miracle products out there that make fantastic claims, there are a few old greasers that have been hanging out a long time and can get the job done. Anointed King of Grease The undisputed king of grease for miscellaneous automotive applications is white lithium grease. The obvious lubrication advantages are augmented by its ability to repel moisture, retain its lubrication and protect from corrosion. White lithium grease comes in a variety of consistencies. The best pairing for keeping things moving smoothly is a tub of the pasty thick stuff, and a can of the spray variety. Use the paste on heavy duty areas like door hinges and hood latches. The spray can is perfect for smaller spots. The small straw on the spray can helps with application in tighter areas such as door latch mechanisms. Between the two types, everything can get covered. Hinges will keep hinging, latches will unlatch, seats will slide in their tracks, and hoods, hatchbacks and doors will open and close as they were designed. Another good lubricant to have around is a spray can of silicone. Silicone is excellent at repelling moisture and is therefore perfect for keeping door and trunk locks from getting sticky. Remember that every vehicle is different and presents its own lubrication challenges. Always check the owner's or service manual for chassis lubrication points, lubrication intervals and recommended type of grease. Step 1 Regular greasing of door hinges helps stave off expensive and complicated hinge replacement. Don't be shy with the grease here. Moisture and corrosion are the archenemies of steel hinges. Step 2 Inexpensive disposable brushes are well suited for daubing in grease. Keeping the hood release mechanism lubricated will help prevent snapped cable releases. Wipe off the excess grease with a rag. Step 3 Don't forget the other end of the hood latch mechanism. Watch your head. Step 4 Door latch mechanisms are a good spot to break out the pressurized white lithium grease. Operate the door latch a few times, and wipe off any overspray before closing the door. Step 5 Stuck seat-adjustment tracks can put your butt in a bind. Push the seat all the way back and squirt a small amount of grease along the valley and sides of the track. Push the seat forward and repeat for the rear section. Step 6 Hatchback hinges that are exposed to the elements need grease to survive. Pressure helps get the grease in between the hinges. Wipe off the excess. Step 7 Don't overlook the trunk or hatchback latch mechanisms. Step 8 Pre-airbag passive seatbelt systems are notorious for binding up, derailing and causing problems. Pull back the rubber trim and squirt grease along the length of the sliding track. Step 9 Clean retractable antennas with some silicone spray lubricant to prevent moisture and road grime from fouling up the internal mechanism. Step 10 Silicone is also invaluable for keeping lock mechanisms free of moisture and rust. A small amount is the key to unlocking smooth operation. Step 11 Gas cap mechanisms take a beating from the elements. A small amount of grease on the locks and latches goes a long way here. To listen to the show archives go to link http://acbradio.org/handyman.html or ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday The Pod Cast address for the Cooking In The Dark Show is. http://www.gcast.com/u/cookingindark/main.xml Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various List Members At The Following address: http://www.jaws-users.com/handyman/ Visit the new archives page at the following address http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man list just send a blank message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blindhandyman/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blindhandyman/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
