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Permalink Reply by John Austin on May 24, 2016 at 6:34am

Can't cite the source, but I was told to not lubricate nylon fairleads - at least not with grease, heavy oil, or anything that leaves a residue.  If the fairlead is exposed to dust and dirt (such as the ones where the rudder cables exit the fuselage), the particulate matter mixes with the grease to form a cutting compound and increases wear on the fairlead and cable.  I suppose a little silicone spray would be OK if you felt like you just had to do something!

This topic about "Fairleads vs Pulleys" has some good insights - several (including myself) report hundreds of hours with no detectable wear on the fairleads or cables. Walt's observation that Piper Cubs have stood the test of time is reassuring, too!

I use white lithium grease on the nose gear blocks.

John

N750A

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Permalink Reply by Gary Welch on May 24, 2016 at 10:20am

Good info. Thanks for the education. Leaving them un-lubed makes sense. Easy to see how a lubricant could encase dirt and dust that would end up"sawing" into the fairlead. Similar to the reason of not using zip ties on engine mounts.

Thanks for taking the time to help me out!

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Permalink Reply by François Balaux on May 25, 2016 at 2:46pm

Hi

I use white lithium grease for the control bushings and bicycle chain lube for the hinges (flaperons, tail, etc.)

Francois

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Permalink Reply by Gary Welch on May 25, 2016 at 4:12pm

Bike chain oil is a good idea. Merci, Francois!

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