Posted 2016-01-28 10:46 PM (#165963 - in reply to #165962) Subject: RE: Squeaky trailer doors
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
I use synthetic automotive power steering fluid, applied with an old syringe. It easily lasts a couple of months in all sorts of weather, and protects the hinges from rusting over the winter months. Some manufacturers have zerk fittings that allow you to use a grease gun. Synthetic products are the longest lasting lubricants, that are readily available.
Posted 2016-01-29 5:38 AM (#165964 - in reply to #165962) Subject: RE: Squeaky trailer doors
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
"The April/May 2007 edition of Machinist's Workshop did a test of penetrating oils where they measured the force required to loosen rusty test devices. Buy the issue if you want to see how they did the test. The results reported were interesting. The lower the number of pounds the better. Mighty interesting results for simple acetone and tranny fluid!Penetrating oil . Average load .. Price per fluid ounceNone ................. 516 pounds .WD-40 .............. 238 pounds .. $0.25PB Blaster ......... 214 pounds .. $0.35Liquid Wrench ... 127 pounds .. $0.21Kano Kroil ........ 106 pounds .. $0.75ATF-Acetone mix.. 53 pounds .. $0.10The ATF-Acetone mix was a 50/50 mix (1 to 1 ratio)."
Posted 2016-01-29 10:15 PM (#165968 - in reply to #165962) Subject: RE: Squeaky trailer doors
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Acetone evaporates pretty quickly and offers no long term protection. The best penetrating mixture I've used for stuck threads is a 50- 50 mixture of Kroil oil and brake fluid. It works very well with bolts, nuts, anything threaded or pinned. If the area can be heated, it's affects are even better. If the rusted area offers some movement, a grade of light weight oil will usually loosen things after movement and subsequently being lubed. If the hinges are frozen with rust, the procedures Paul spoke of becomes necessary to free the hinge, which is then lubed to maintain the motion.
Squeaky trailer doors
