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Building Tips and technical articles. => Building techniques => Topic started by: the original Steve Smith on February 15, 2007, 08:53:09 PM

Title: Lubricating nylon belcranks?
Post by: the original Steve Smith on February 15, 2007, 08:53:09 PM

I am building an RSM Ringmaster and am just about ready to mount the bellcrank.  It is a Sig Nylon 3" crank that has a large hole in the center which has a nylon insert like a bearing. 

Should I lubricate it with anything?

Thanks for enlightening me on this (possibly) sticky issue.

Steve  H^^

Title: Re: Lubricating nylon belcranks?
Post by: Crist Rigotti on February 15, 2007, 09:20:45 PM

Keep it dry.  No lubrication.

Title: Re: Lubricating nylon belcranks?
Post by: RC Storick on February 15, 2007, 09:35:34 PM

Quote from: Crist Rigotti on February 15, 2007, 09:20:45 PM

Keep it dry.  No lubrication.

KEYRECT!!

Title: Re: Lubricating nylon belcranks?
Post by: the original Steve Smith on February 17, 2007, 08:12:33 AM

Thanks guys!  I'm glad I asked.

Steve

Title: Re: Lubricating nylon belcranks?
Post by: Dennis Vander Kuur on February 17, 2007, 10:53:41 PM

Steve,
I sprinkled powdered graphite on the pivot area of the nylon bellcrank before installing it in my not-an-ARF Brodak Pathfinder. Its been flying three years now and it doesn't seem to have hurt it any (some might question the planes flying ability but any deficiencies are solely the fault of the pilot n~).
DennisV
P.S. Will we see you this coming weekend at the Ice-O-Lated contest?

Title: Re: Lubricating nylon belcranks?
Post by: Crist Rigotti on February 18, 2007, 05:06:20 PM

Quote from: Dennis Vander Kuur on February 17, 2007, 10:53:41 PM

Steve,
.......Its been flying three years now and it doesn't seem to have hurt it any (some might question the planes flying ability but any deficiencies are solely the fault of the pilot n~).
DennisV
......

No argument here! LL~

Title: Re: Lubricating nylon belcranks?
Post by: wmiii on February 18, 2007, 05:47:45 PM

 I always thought that nylon was self lubricating.

 Walter

Title: Re: Lubricating nylon belcranks?
Post by: the original Steve Smith on February 20, 2007, 08:01:10 PM

Quote from: Dennis Vander Kuur on February 17, 2007, 10:53:41 PM

Steve,
I sprinkled powdered graphite on the pivot area of the nylon bellcrank before installing it in my not-an-ARF Brodak Pathfinder. Its been flying three years now and it doesn't seem to have hurt it any (some might question the planes flying ability but any deficiencies are solely the fault of the pilot n~).
DennisV
P.S. Will we see you this coming weekend at the Ice-O-Lated contest?

Hey Dennis!  I'll be there but the weather ain't lookin too good.  I hope the storms they are predicting slow down and don't hit until Monday!

Steve

Title: Re: Lubricating nylon belcranks?
Post by: Dennis Vander Kuur on February 20, 2007, 10:13:23 PM

Steve,
This will be the 4th contest I have attended in St. Louis in the last 3 years. On every occasion the weather in Chicago and enroute to St Louis has been TERRIBLE. However, come contest day and flying time the weather has cooperated. Sure hope we luck out again this coming weekend. Another Chicagoland Circle Cutter member, Denis Downs, felt Mike Schmitt and I were having so much fun that he's decided to attend also. I'm looking forward to flying with you and the great bunch of guys that come to the Ice-O-Lated contest.
DennisV

Title: Re: Lubricating nylon belcranks?
Post by: the original Steve Smith on February 23, 2007, 08:47:18 PM

Drive careful you guys!  I want to see all of you and your planes in one piece!

Steve

Title: Re: Lubricating nylon belcranks?
Post by: Paul Smith on March 14, 2007, 02:33:34 PM

I've always put some white lithium axle grease in the bearings of all bellcranks and control horns, , metal or nylon.

It's never hurt anything. 
Even if the nylon doesn't really need it, the grease is great insurance against paint, glue. CA, epoxy, etc, from getting into the works.