05-04-2011 Ask Mike! Archive
The lubrication question:  what should I use on the aileron hinges, flap tracks and landing gear pivot points?

Hi Mike:

The lubrication question:  what should I use on the aileron hinges, flap tracks and landing gear pivot points?

I washed and polished 47G this weekend, but didn't have time to take her up for a dry-off flight.  I want to make sure to keep up on the basics, like oiling stuff, especially after getting it wet.  I see 4 different LPS products (1, 2, 3 and TKX), and they sound like they all do a good job, but I'm not sure what to use where.  Is there any single one that I should keep in the plane for all-around lubrication?

Hope all is well in Puyallup.  Say "Hi" to Janice for me.

Thanks,
Eric

Morning, Eric;

Glad you are thinking about this stuff.  Your airplane will treat your pocketbook better by this little bit of preventive maintenance.  Get a can of LPS2 for the general purpose lubrication of hinges, rod-ends and rollers.  After a wash or flight through rain, it is a good idea to lube all exposed points that move (don't forget the rod-ends on the gear doors and cowl flaps).  At annual, the flap limit switch rollers should also be lubed; this is generally done with a lighter lube such as LPS1.  The load-bearing points of the landing gear that are lubed with a grease gun should be done every 100 hours or yearly, whichever comes first.  We use Aeroshell 22 for that, consult your local IA for what he uses and use the same stuff he does.  (Typically not a good idea to use different spec stuff.)

Sunshine on the forecast for today!

Enjoy,
Mike