What grease can I use on plastic?

767Jockey · #1 (**permalink**) 02-11-2007, 02:19 PM

I have to reassemble my steering column. The main shaft is steel, but it passes through a poly bushing in the top of the outer column. What type of grease can I use to lubricate this point that will stay in the column and lubricate but not damage the plastic top bearing? The bottom "bearing" believe it or not is actually just a heavy piece of dense felt. I guess it doesn't matter what I put on that - grease shouldn't hurt that, right? It's an old MG column, by the way. Thanks.
Doug

lineslinger · #2 (**permalink**) 02-11-2007, 03:57 PM

Silicon grease, not the spray, the grease, you can find it in the plumbing section at most hardware stores.
Let the felt pad absorb a good amount of it and it will last for a long time, the silicon will not break down the plastic the way some petroleum derivatives will.

767Jockey · #3 (**permalink**) 02-11-2007, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lineslinger

Silicon grease, not the spray, the grease, you can find it in the plumbing section at most hardware stores.
Let the felt pad absorb a good amount of it and it will last for a long time, the silicon will not break down the plastic the way some petroleum derivatives will.

I'll run down to Lowes or Home Depot and look for it. I'd love to try the local hardware store but these big guys ran them all out - very sad to see. Thanks for the info.
Doug

double ugly · #4 (**permalink**) 02-11-2007, 04:14 PM

ACE Hardware has just about anything needed. Kind of like NAPA for auto parts.
John

G.R. · #5 (**permalink**) 02-19-2007, 09:23 PM

Teflon lubricant works much better than any silicone on plastics.
I use Star Brite White Teflon...a marine product... to lubricate plastic, vinyl or rubber parts. Works great and doesn't wear off over time like silicone will.

wtm442 · #6 (**permalink**) 02-19-2007, 09:29 PM

I like the teflon based lube too. I got a small bottle for small $ at a bicycle shop. They use the lube on chains. I used it on the truck latch and hinges about 2 years ago, and they still work flawlessly.

rdorman · #7 (**permalink**) 02-20-2007, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 767Jockey

I have to reassemble my steering column. The main shaft is steel, but it passes through a poly bushing in the top of the outer column. What type of grease can I use to lubricate this point that will stay in the column and lubricate but not damage the plastic top bearing? The bottom "bearing" believe it or not is actually just a heavy piece of dense felt. I guess it doesn't matter what I put on that - grease shouldn't hurt that, right? It's an old MG column, by the way. Thanks.
Doug

I replaced the felt and plastic with caged needle bearings on my MG column. After putting in new felt the wheel would not even self return. Take some measurement and get some bearing... much nicer feel.

767Jockey · #8 (**permalink**) 02-28-2007, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdorman

I replaced the felt and plastic with caged needle bearings on my MG column. After putting in new felt the wheel would not even self return. Take some measurement and get some bearing... much nicer feel.

I just saw your post. Do you remember what the part numbers were for your needle bearings and where you got them?

rdorman · #9 (**permalink**) 03-01-2007, 06:34 AM

Your lucky day! steering column mod

The top bearing you could shim, epoxy, set screw, etc. Made a world of difference.

Do you have a MG front end as well? I adapated Wilwood brakes to fit. There is a a thread around here on that one as well. MG brake help

rdorman · #10 (**permalink**) 03-01-2007, 06:42 AM

Also, if your turn signals do not self cancel, there is a thread around some where about how to do that. Seems to me it was nothing but a roll pin of the right length added to the shaft in the correct spot. It may be here at CC or over on the Unique forum... don't recall.

rdorman · #11 (**permalink**) 03-01-2007, 06:49 AM

Just looking at your pictures and it does not look like the MG turn signal assembly. You can get it and the cowl that covers it from Moss for a similar year MG. Cheap and it looks good. Also get a bezel for the column where it enters the dash from say the Finishline. Completes the look.

rdorman · #12 (**permalink**) 03-01-2007, 07:10 AM

More stuff for you (us old cobra replica, mg/jag based, 351C guys need to stick together!).......

Item 59 and 63 http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewP...0&SortOrder=59

I am using this steering wheel adaptor (I think!) and it fits nicely around the steering cowl http://www.motolita.com/catalog/prod...23a52f7d2208f9

Yours might work but you won't know until you get the cowl. Line the inside of the steering adaptor where the cowl inserts with felt to prevent it from sqeaking.

This is the column bezel http://www.finishlineaccessories.com...roducts_id=124

And of course, none of this stuff is going to fit right out of the box. Particuarly the cowl. You will most likely do a little massaging. But, the column will look period!

My '85 Unique (nice wax job 'eh? For a 21 year old paint job)

767Jockey · #13 (**permalink**) 03-01-2007, 05:57 PM

Rdorman,
Thanks! That's all great info. The turn signal on my car is actually (as best I can tell) the same unit that Cobra restorers sells. It works good, and actually self cancels. I intend to order the bearings you talk about, as well as the bezel amongst other things from Finishline. Thanks for all the great info. Another 2 years or so and this car may actually run.

rdorman · #14 (**permalink**) 03-02-2007, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 767Jockey

Rdorman,
Thanks! That's all great info. The turn signal on my car is actually (as best I can tell) the same unit that Cobra restorers sells. It works good, and actually self cancels. I intend to order the bearings you talk about, as well as the bezel amongst other things from Finishline. Thanks for all the great info. Another 2 years or so and this car may actually run.

Not a problem! Now, can you get me some cheap airfare