Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Dear All,

I am replacing the spring shackle pin rubber bushings on my light light eight. Should I apply any type of lube to these bushings during installation. Obviously I don't want to put anything on them that will degrade the rubber.

As a reminder, this model did not use the Bijur lubrication system. In fact, this was the first model to not use the Bijur system since it was first introduced.

Thanks for the help!

Cheers,

Tom

Tom, try some brake fluid if you need lubricant.

(o{I}o)

An excellent question. Don't think Packard ever mentioned anything maybe because anything completely suitable wasn't around. I had a mechanic friend who absolutely insisted upon a silicone spray for almost every piece of rubber he installed. Claimed it lubricated and protected the rubber from drying. Some of the other car forums also mention using a silicone grease for various rubber including bushings.There are several products on the market making claims for ease of installation to prevent scuffing, dryness protection, UV & ozone stability etc. I would think that if friction characteristics are not a factor, then something to keep it from drying and cracking wouldn't hurt.

The natural hysteresis of the rubber shackle bushing is a contributor to the ride quality and they should not be lubricated. If you must lubricate them to install them, that's another matter but you might consider something that's more temporary in it's effect - a light spritz with the original formula kitchen PAM (soy lecithin) has worked well for me on rubber shackle bushings and similar situations.

As I remember you have everything well painted. If so and if all you are looking for a lubricant to assist in assembly, then why not try just plain water. If that doesn't work, tire shops use water with a little soap (Dawn should be a good choice) to improve the slipperiness. Soapy water doesn't seem to bother the rubber on tires.

Dear All,

Thanks for the help. I have the rear pins for the rear springs re-bushed. I used a light silicone grease as suggested. Dave, nice use of hysteresis.

Tom