Lube or no lube, that is the question…

[bluespit]

Roof mechanism that is.

Noticed my roof is a little creaky when closed, always been a fan of Gummy Phledge so plan on a suitable application over the next few weeks. spotted a little vid where a chap applies a copious amount of lithium grease to all the moving bits of the roof mechanism (far more than I would consider appropriate) as well as the GP to the seals.

A quick search on here and RobbiZ4 says apply no lube to the mechanism of any type but doesn’t say why.

Interested to know what the consensus of opinion is, lube or no lube?

 

[TOMGREEN413]

Alway put plenty of grease on our previous Z over the course of 5 years and it always seemed to function smoothly and without any squeaks but that's just me, no idea if this was the right thing to do but seemed to work out well for our 2013 car

 

[RobbiZ4]

...and RobbiZ4 says apply no lube to the mechanism of any type but doesn’t say why.

Gummi yes,
Roof mechanism no.

I've explained it several times:
Special bearing bushings are integrated into all joints.

WEBASTO as supplier warns against greasing the roof.

 

[bluespit]

Thanks for the replies folks -yes and no!

You’re saying no lube because the bushings are phosphor bronze I think?

 

[flybobbie]

Mine have been lubed 13 years now, seems no harm.
Don't think it matters either way.
Might do if bushing were nylon.

 

[Rockhopper]

Self lubricating bushes, either plastic or bronze. Adding lube just attracts dust and grit and wears them out in super quick time.

 

[RobbiZ4]

I assume it's a kind of bronze. You'll see red traces of this material around some joints, that's no rust.

 

[Pondy]

Thanks for the replies folks -yes and no!

You’re saying no lube because the bushings are phosphor bronze I think?

@RobbiZ4 is the man to listen to. He says no....so no it is.

Creaking roofs on E89s is not uncommon, even if everything is in 100% tip top condition. I spent ages trying to find out why our second E89 had a creak (the first was an older car and was like a church mouse). I never found it!

 

[bluespit]

Seals given a thorough helping of GP. No lube on any part of mechanism - looks like there never has been. Seems a little less creaky. Takes a bit of time doesn't it?

 

[Pondy]

Seals given a thorough helping of GP. No lube on any part of mechanism - looks like there never has been. Seems a little less creaky. Takes a bit of time doesn't it?

Yep. There are officially 3 miles and 1 1/2" of rubber on an E89*. There is more rubber than metal.


* I made that up!