strut bearings vs strut bushing vs Teflon liner

[paulejr]

Well, I had to ask , strut bearings vs bushing vs Teflon , non racing applications for sport hydro. What say ye? for 3/16 flex.

[NativePaul]

It depends what you are looking for. For max efficiency ball bearings and Teflon with oil for lube. But flex and bearings need cleaning out and re-oiling after every run, and bearings will need replacing periodically. For ease of maintenance no Teflon and a floating bushing will last nearly forever, and the shaft just needs cleaning an re-greasing every few runs or at the end of the day.

Alternatively wire drives are the bomb as long as you don't have a tight bend.

[paulejr]

Thanks Paul , good to know. If using bearings , what oil is used? 3n1 oil, gear lube, wd 40, sewing machine oil, gun oil .... on and on...

[NativePaul]

Don't use regular WD40 as a lubricant, it isn't one (though it does have some minor lubricating properties). Having said that I use WD40 branded PTFE loaded lubricant as i find the smart straw system convenient, but sewing machine or 3in1 work fine too. I haven't tried gun oil but from what i remember it is stinky stuff and probably more about corrosion resistance than lubrication.

[TRUCKPULL]

Air tool oil.

Larry

[paulejr]

Huh, I would never thought that, as it is pretty thin? On parr with Marvel Mystery oil ???

[TRUCKPULL]

It is a high RPM bearing oil, I use it on all my motor bearings.
So why not use it on Ball Bering's in a strut.

Larry

[paulejr]

Indeed, some air tools hit 25k rpm ... huh. ..thanks for the tip !