Lubricating Aluminum

tg in VA · Nov 1, 2016

My wife has an aluminum jog cart. The shafts are hollow and fit on to solid aluminum billet inserted into the aluminum tubular frame. These billets are held in place by two bolts and corrosion. The shafts fit over the billet and are secured by two bolts. Over time the aluminum corrodes and virtually welds the shafts and the billets together. I am having to replace the shafts. After removing the bolts, I tried everything I could think of to separate the shafts from the frame and finally had to cut them off. My question to you guys, is there some lubricant I can coat the billets and the inside of the shafts with that will keep the shafts and the billets from "welding" together over time? Will any grease work or is there a type of grease out there that works better with aluminum?

Thanks

dr sportster · Nov 1, 2016

Yes it is an electrical product called Penetrox or No-Al -Ox. Prevents corrosion on aluminum electrical connections. Should keep your parts from sticking together.

BushogPapa · Nov 1, 2016

From what I have been told, using the Gray ( Silver?) Anti-Seize Compound works very well..I would slather it on heavy and

be SURE those Bolts are Aluminum ( or Stainless Steel) and coat them as well..

You may get the inserts out if you repeatedly work around the OD with a Dead Blow hammer or soft Brass ( Aluminum?) Hammer, to stretch the outer tube enough to get it insert out..

I know how bad that corrosion can be, hope the Anti-Seize helps..Probably about anything that will put a Permanent film between the parts will work.

I suspect those inserts are Magnesium.? Mag will deteriorate badly also..

Determined · Nov 1, 2016

Not sure if it would last on your application but I rub a bar of plain old canning wax on our aluminum shower rod to keep the metal hooks sliding nicely.
Lasts about a year before it needs to be redone.

D beatty · Nov 1, 2016

Get a product called KGKG- 10 Micro Moly Dry Lubricant.It goes on wet but dries to a film. It is used on gun slides and moving parts to stop galling and seizing and will not collect dirt or dust. You should be able find it at any good gun shop or Midway USA has it.

CGID · Nov 1, 2016

Vasaline is good for aluminum. Slide-rules were made from aluminum and I used vasaline to keep mine working.

Steve@Advance · Nov 1, 2016

Since you are replacing the parts, while they are off, is their room it modify it so thin wall PVC could be slipped over or onto the tubing?

That would stop the corrosion and no need for grease.

jacksun65 · Nov 1, 2016

In the military we used dry film lubricant it was a graphite paint, you can get it at Tsc.

Lubricating Aluminum

tg in VA

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dr sportster

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BushogPapa

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Determined

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D beatty

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CGID

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Steve@Advance

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jacksun65

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