Lube "Flap Dampers" on Mini Titan?

[darryn]

Hi all.

I am busy building my first Mini Titan.
Is it recommend to lubricate the flap dampers? I will be using the stock ones.
If so, what is the best lubricant to use, and how are you lubricating them (soaking in lubricant, spraying on, etc.)?

TIA

[flag8r77]

I have been lubing mine from time to time, supposed to help with tracking issues and wobbling....I use dielectric grease from a local auto store. Put a small dab on the dampber and run the feathering shaft through the dampner to work it in.

[devious17]

or silicone oil used by the buggy would also be suffice.

[BarracudaHockey]

Yes its a good idea and as Justin said, silicon dielectric grease from your local auto parts store is perfect.

[mkoutnik]

The user manual suggests using grease or vaseline...I've used vaseline.

[Stuka]

Anything petroleum based like vasoline will deteriorate rubber pretty quickly. You should use something silicone based like silicone shock oil for RC cars or silicone grease.

[EricW]

Silicon is good ofcourse.
But saying that Vaseline deteriorates rubber rapidly is new to me...
AFAIK It's used everywhere to protect rubber from deteriorating, even in industrial applications.

Eric

[Stuka]

Just did some googling. Material compatibility depends on the type of rubber. See attached chart.

[EricW]

Hey thanks for the chart, good find :),
What material are our dampers made off, i guess polyurethane??

[darryn]

Thanks for all the replies.

I will try dielectric grease just as soon as I can find someone who stocks it.
If I can't obtain any, then I will try some silicon oil.

[Stuka]

What material are our dampers made off, i guess polyurethane??

Servo and canopy grommets are natural rubber based. I guess head damper material varies. In my experience, they are typically natural rubber based. I think the shiny black plumbing o-rings are usually nitrile so vaseline would be okay. If the manual says use vaseline then maybe they know what they're talking about or maybe they want to sell more dampers. :)

[EricW]

If the manual says use vaseline then maybe they know what they're talking about or maybe they want to sell more dampers. :)
:lol: good one,
In a while i can tell, i used vaseline from the beginning.
They still look good btw.

[chuckk]

90% of aviation o-rings that are used where fuel is present are lubed with petrolatum. i don't think vaseline will hurt flap dampers. this is kind of like discussing which is the best way to fold a one dollar bill. in the end it will deteriorate no matter what.