Lubricants

[Davecrawf]

I had a problem for a while with my electric step, into the rear habitation door, as it used to seize up from time to time. However I took my motorhome to a new place for its habitation check. I was very impressed as they included taking out some scratches on the body work and lubricating the mechanism of the step. The step has now worked excellent for 18 month. I could see that the lubricant they used was like a white fine grease, much better than my WD40!
Does anybody know what type of lubricant this might be and where to get it. The step is still OK, but I'm thinking this white stuff could be good for locks and hinges etc.

 

[David and Sally]

Sounds like a lithium grease.

WD-40 White Lithium Grease 400ml - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Specialist, high performance, thick white lithium grease formula for long lasting protection against rust and corrosion. Will not drip or run. Ideal for metal-to-metal applications to ensure tools and equipment keep moving smoothly, without friction or seizing. For...

www.screwfix.com

 

[XxAnthxX]

I can’t help with what they might have used, but I wouldn’t use WD40 as a lubricant.

Standard WD40 has good water displacement and seize release properties but as a lubricant it‘s not good and dries out pretty quickly.

I‘d probably use a bog standard grease or as mentioned a silicone based one.

 

[cmcardle75]

I had a problem for a while with my electric step, into the rear habitation door, as it used to seize up from time to time. However I took my motorhome to a new place for its habitation check. I was very impressed as they included taking out some scratches on the body work and lubricating the mechanism of the step. The step has now worked excellent for 18 month. I could see that the lubricant they used was like a white fine grease, much better than my WD40!
Does anybody know what type of lubricant this might be and where to get it. The step is still OK, but I'm thinking this white stuff could be good for locks and hinges etc.

WD40 is not a lubricant. It is far more likely to strip any remaining lubricant away and make thing worse. White lithium grease spray is probably what you saw and is readily available. You can even get it in a WD-40 branded can if you want!

WD-40 White Lithium Grease 400ml - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Specialist, high performance, thick white lithium grease formula for long lasting protection against rust and corrosion. Will not drip or run. Ideal for metal-to-metal applications to ensure tools and equipment keep moving smoothly, without friction or seizing. For...

www.screwfix.com

 

[icantremember]

The problem wit grease in this situation is that it will attract road dirt and cause more problems. In my view the best solution is to use a PTFE spray whenever necessary.

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[denisejoe]

plenty on internet just search spray white grease

 

[Jaws]

Or use ACF50 or Corrosion Block grease which stops corrosion dead in its tracks

 

[MitchandJenny]

I use silicon spray for all friction points inside and out.
Very good for bike chains sprockets etc whilst they hang on the back of the van.
Also does all plastics, window seals the list is endless and it lasts for ages.
Mitch.

 

[Davecrawf]

Thanks for all the advice everyone.

 

[Lenny HB]

You were luck, the step has nylon and WD40 makes nylon swell. Also if there are any plastic bearing surfaces you shouldn't use white lithium grease it causes surfaces to bind.
I had a problem with my drivers door step, it kept juddering. It's a straight slide out step. The dealer sorted it under warranty but a couple of months later it was juddering again the idiots had use white lithium grease on it. I stripped it down myself cleaned all the grease off it reassembled it using standard grease (Castrol LM) over 2 years later it's still working perfectly.

On the hab step that pivots down I use silicon spray.

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[Davecrawf]

Thanks,

That's great advice.

 

[David and Sally]

I use GT85. It has some ptfe in it so I’m hoping it’s effective.

 

[poppycamper]

Castrol LM)

Now that's what you call a grease.

 

[GeoffnDee]

WD-40 do a spray can motorbike chain wax that contains PTFE, this is white and may have been used.

 

[Dorset Diver]

Time and again people have said to me try WD40 and my reply is normally "which one?" there are so many. It is well worth looking at their website and choosing the right product for the job you have in hand.

WD-40 Products

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[Davecrawf]

Thanks.
Really helpful.

 

[Jaws]

WD-40 do a spray can motorbike chain wax that contains PTFE, this is white and may have been used.

DO NOT GO NEAR THE BLOODY STUFF !!!
We had a few early failures of chains, all DID good quality stuff..
Turned out the common factor was WD40 chain lube !!!!

 

[MitchandJenny]

In my opinion, grease of any sort will get stuck up with dust and become a very nasty abrasive.
Again, use silicon spray !
Mitch.