Best lube to use on swingout pins

Hey guys, I’m having some issues with the pins properly closing on my Pelfreybilt swingout. I am a little unsure why they couldn’t use stainless steel pins I’m sure there’s a better product out there, to ensure longevity and function, besides using WD40. Interested to see if you all know of anything. Thanks!

 

WD40 is not really meant as a long term lubricant, just an FYI.

 

Big fan of fluid film. I use it on all my suspension components on my truck as well as my work stuff. Fluid film on shipping container hinges and outdoor locks too. Stops rust and keeps things moving freely.

 

Ask the manufacturer

 

Prison lube.

 

I disassembled and put anti seize on the threads at least..

 

You can get a S/S one from McMaster Carr.

 

Ouch.

 

Lucas oil Red and tacky grease !!!

 

Too soon?

 

I think you’re in the clear...those sons of bitches

 

My suggestion is to disassemble the pin. The top of the housing should screw off and the pin and spring will pull right out. The pull knob should also thread off. Once disassembled use a wire wheel and buff off all of the corrosion. I would then find a small flap type internal buffing wheel and clean the corrosion inside the pin housing. At this point I would drill and tap the pin housing for a grease zerk. This step isn’t a nessecity but it will make future disassembly unnecessary. If doing this I also suggest using a small (I do mean very small) carbide burr and make a vertical groove from your zerk hole to the bottom and top of the housing. This will allow the grease to flow to both sides and will still flow grease if the plunger section of the pin blocks the hole. Fill the cavity at the bottom, insert the pin and fill the area above and around the spring with grease. Reassemble. When choosing grease I would look for something that has a high water resistance. Red and Tacky works well as others have suggested.

I use these same steel pins on quite a number of items I have built both commercially and in my own use. The problem is people do zero maintenance and wonder why they seize up. The above mod makes them almost failure proof. Grease will lube it internally and naturally flow out the top and bottom lubing those ends as well. Wipe off excess as required.

 

I wouldnt use grease if you are in a hot climate it will become pretty messy ! if you take it apart as said ,clean it real good , use a little fluid film or triflow and just keep it as up keep a bit more often and do a good service once a year and it will stay smooth ... that is what I do here in Canada ..