Phenolic Block Lubrication

[falvarez]

I'm getting ready to mount my rudder pedals permanently and I wanted to know if I need to lubricate the phenolic block with anything before I bolt it down.

[Mike53]

I used grease in mine to make them move smoothly and I also thought since you have to remove the powder coat and expose the metal it would protect the bare metal from snow on my shoes in the winter at least here in snow country.Water will seep into anything that will rust it seems :? I even gave some thought to drilling the blocks for a grease gun nipple so I could top it up so to speak before winter set in.I still might .
I probably should have asked kerry first but I thought if it was a bad thing then they would have given a warning as it just seems like a natural thing to do especially if you are having friction problems.

[falvarez]

Thanks Mike...I was thinking of using some grease as well. Like you said, not only will it lubricate but it will also help protect areas where the powder coat is removed.

[Andy Walker]

Sonex recommends lithium grease, that's what I used.

[falvarez]

I almost overlooked that you are supposed to remove the Powder Coat from the bearing surface. I can't seem to find this stated anywhere in the plans, but I was looking through the EAA Hints For Homebuilders and stumbled on a video by Sonex that states that we need to remove the powder coat first. I mistakenly thought the powder coat was to be left in place for corrosion control, but video clearly states that it we need to remove it on the bearing surface.

Just wanted to pass this along in case anyone else wasn't aware.

[chris]

Here is a link to the video Frank is talking about.

http://www.eaavideo.org/video.aspx?v=61439759001

[Andy Walker]

I almost overlooked that you are supposed to remove the Powder Coat from the bearing surface. I can't seem to find this stated anywhere in the plans, but I was looking through the EAA Hints For Homebuilders and stumbled on a video by Sonex that states that we need to remove the powder coat first. I mistakenly thought the powder coat was to be left in place for corrosion control, but video clearly states that it we need to remove it on the bearing surface.

Just wanted to pass this along in case anyone else wasn't aware.

Been there, done that...I spent a full day trying to get a good fit with the powder coating on.