Lubrication - how/when to lubricate motion system - BASIC

[Armortek]

Users tend to run their Armortek models in short, intense sessions and then store them for protracted periods, possibly not in a temperature controlled environment. Operation on rough terrain exposes the model to moisture and particles, such as sand and dust, which can get into the drive train and cause wear, particularly to gears and bearings.

The greatest threats are therefore corrosion and wear due to contamination.

Dry lubricants can protect against corrosion and reduce wear. Wet lubricants, such as oils and greases, attract particles and increase wear. The strong advice is to avoid using wet lubricants - period.

A number of dry, molybdenum based lubricants are available. The specification for Rocol Oxylube is:

Inorganic, resin bonded dry film of molybdenum disulphide in aerosol. Developed to lubricate sliding mechanisms such as plain bearings, pins, cams and slides particularly in vacuum environments.
•Designed for applications where contamination by aggressive chemicals or petroleum based solvents; oils and greases would destroy conventional lubricants
•Fast curing time
•Dry film lubrication – resists pick up of contaminants
•Prevents galling, pick up and seizure
•Suitable for fine threaded components
•Approved to Rolls Royce, Naval and NATO Standards. Also approved for Submarine Clearance
•Temperature range of -200ºC to +450ºC

Really useful that it's approved for use in Royal Navy submarines, if you intend fording.........

Final drive bearings are provided with external seals to prevent penetration of contaminants:

Final drive casings can be joined dry but a sealing compound (liquid gasket) will help prevent contamination, as long as it is applied correctly:

The general advice is to avoid wet lubricants on the drive train. The only exception is the threads of the external track tensioning mechanisms, which can benefit from a light application of molybdenum grease:

Comments welcome in the Discussion Sub-Forum