Lube!!!

[ihadablackdog]

Sadly not what you dirty minded buggers are thinking

Question is this: what can be used to lubricate plastic thread?

I have a treadmill with an incline function, which hasn't worked properly for a while, it just stops raising and gives error 6.

I've stripped the whole treadmill down and removed the motor.

There is a central, metal threaded bar, and on that goes another threaded "sleave" made of plastic. The outside of that is threaded which goes into another sleave, which is metal on the outside but might be plastic inside.

I think it need lubricating because when its in the middle of the threaded length it screws easily, but when you get further out (say, the first and last third) it gets difficult to screw. The actual central threaded bar moves fine, its the bits that are mounted on it that are sticking.

I'm thinking this extra resistance might be tripping something in the motor.

So, would silicon oil be ok? I bought a bottle of 100% silicon oil to lubricate the running deck and I'm sure it said it could also lubricate the motor, so would it be ok for plastic?

I don't want to use wd40 cos that dries out.

 

[Smartbear]

I’d try silicone, it shouldn’t harm anything.
Rob

 

[ihadablackdog]

Thanks.

 

[patriot66]

GT85 Spray will sort it. Leaves a Teflon coating on any surface. Used it many times on all sorts of squeaky/rattling plastic trim with no ill effects

 

[Chippie]

I’d try the silicone as well, is there any way you can attach a drill to it and work the thread backwards and forwards until it frees up before reassembling

 

[ihadablackdog]

Thanks. Initially thought of GT85 as well but ruled it out like wd40. I use GT85 to lubricate door locks and it also dries out.

Going to try the silicone oil. Cant attach a drill unfortunately, its got to be done by hand (resisted the urge to include the words "hand job" in a thread entitled lube!!!)....

 

[Mr Tidy]

Going to try the silicone oil. Cant attach a drill unfortunately, its got to be done by hand (resisted the urge to include the words "hand job" in a thread entitled lube!!!)....

Why? :lol: If you can get it in an aerosol you could include "blow"!

 

[Smartbear]

Going to try the silicone oil. Cant attach a drill unfortunately, its got to be done by hand (resisted the urge to include the words "hand job" in a thread entitled lube!!!)....

Why? :lol: If you can get it in an aerosol you could include "blow"!

It’s more of a squirt surely? :lol:
Rob

 

[Crazy Harry]

If the first and last third are difficult to move I would check the condition of the plastic thread for 'nicks'; pressure points or distortion. If the thread is used to incline the mill what stops it coming down again - a lock or the resistance of the screw thread?

Careful you don't mask another problem with what appears an obvious solution. sometimes too much lube isn't all its cracked up to be 8)

 

[tug]

Going to try the silicone oil. Cant attach a drill unfortunately, its got to be done by hand (resisted the urge to include the words "hand job" in a thread entitled lube!!!)....

Why? :lol: If you can get it in an aerosol you could include "blow"!

It’s more of a squirt surely? :lol:
Rob

:lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[Ewazix]

You can also use PTFE spray on all moving parts, including plastic (well nearly all moving parts )

I got some from Tool Station https://www.toolstation.com/ptfe-spray/p63929

 

[ben g]

Wd40 is actually the brand name and they do many different products I bought some wd40 'lube' spray a while back.

 

[john-e89]

I’d have thought some light silicone based grease might be better than a spray, longer lasting if you can get to the threads that need it.