TheSamba.com :: View topic

Tue Aug 16, 2011 7:32 am

Hi All
I have a front suspension squeak that I'd like to get rid of. I've been searching around quite a bit, and found lots of info about the upper control arm bushing squeaks, and a tip to make sure the lower shock bolt is tight (110 ft lbs).

I'm going to check those items tonight, but I'm also wondering what is the best lube/grease to use on all the bushings and front suspension points?

I have ReleaseAll (Like PB blaster), White lithium grease, Aerospace 303 (rubber and UV protectant), and a litre of ATF fluid at home that I could use. What's the best product to use on my suspension to remove squeaks and make the rubber bushings last even longer?

If there is a specific bushing grease, or rubber lubricant that I should buy, please let me know. Thanks!

Tue Aug 16, 2011 7:57 am

Any silicone spray would be way good.
Petroleum-based products will actually cause rubber to degrade.

Tue Aug 16, 2011 8:19 am

i ordered new uppper control arm bushings. what they sent were the crappy kind, with the white plastic. the p.o. had installed a set of super rare south african upper control arm bushings on the pass. side only :( . vw/audi part number and all. those werent squeaking, it was the white plastic type on the drivers side. i had removed the upper control arms in preparation for bushing replacement except i found that i had one set of great s.a. bushings and the replacement for the constantly noisy one was the same design. i was pissed and didnt want to use the new crappy one. so i SOAKED the noisy bushing in wd-40. im sure that wasnt the best thing to use. it has been almost totally quiet for the past year. only time it made a noise was under full suspension travel, and then would quiet down again. if iwas to do it again i would look into using corrosion-x HD or wurth hhs-k. both of these are essentially spray greases that leave a resilient non hardening coating. i think they are rubber compatible.

Tue Aug 16, 2011 8:44 am

Dhaavers is right, petroleum products will degrade the rubber, silicone is a safe bet.
Make sure the kind you get is "food grade" otherwise it will likely also contain some kind of petroleum product. Amazon sells a few different ones.

To keep the rubber lasting a long time, clean them before applying silicone. Something like Simple Green should do the trick.

Tue Aug 16, 2011 8:48 am

Sounds like I need to get some Silicone or synthetic lubricant.
Thanks for that info presslab, I think Home Hardware in canada sells CRC products. I will look for food-grade.

White lithium grease contains petroleum, so it's no good.
ATF fluid is a bit too redneck, but it apparently can add moisture to dry rubber.
Releasall lubricant looks to be a wet graphite?

Any problem using graphite lubricant on rubber? I suppose it's just that it could contain some petroleum additives which is why silicone is preferred?

Tue Aug 16, 2011 9:33 am

I am sure the mice will enjoy the food grade stuff. Sounds just plain yummy. :wink:

Tue Aug 16, 2011 9:52 am

The problem is getting it to penetrate, not what you use. If you could get it in there we'd all be home free.

Tue Aug 16, 2011 8:55 pm

Call me a Redneck - and proud of it! I've used tranny fluid since new (11/10/1990) and *all* the rubber is still in primo condition. No squeaks and very few cracks.

Except for finally-beginning-to-show-wear original shocks, and an original upper left ball joint finally wearing out, the front end is still nice and tight. No brag, just fact.

Tue Aug 16, 2011 9:02 pm

Californio wrote: The problem is getting it to penetrate, not what you use. If you could get it in there we'd all be home free.

thats what I keep getting told :lol:

Tue Aug 16, 2011 11:33 pm

Wed Aug 17, 2011 12:49 am

Bel Ray Waterproof Grease

Wed Aug 17, 2011 6:10 am

madspaniard wrote: Bel Ray Waterproof Grease

x2

RedLine CV grease is good too.

Wed Aug 17, 2011 3:13 pm

netcruzer wrote: Sounds like I need to get some Silicone or synthetic lubricant.
Thanks for that info presslab, I think Home Hardware in canada sells CRC products. I will look for food-grade.

White lithium grease contains petroleum, so it's no good.
ATF fluid is a bit too redneck, but it apparently can add moisture to dry rubber.
Releasall lubricant looks to be a wet graphite?

Any problem using graphite lubricant on rubber? I suppose it's just that it could contain some petroleum additives which is why silicone is preferred?

Rona carries CRC products. ATF might be your best choice of all.