.

[E180M3]

.

[KFN]

I lubricated all the throttle linkage points when I changed my TAs. My linkages were squeaking loudly, which is the reason I did it. I can't speak to the connection to TA longevity, but I can't see how it would hurt in any case.

[roastbeef]

there were some very informative posts in another thread regarding this. i'll try to find them to link in here, but the context was not to use any oils, because dust/etc. typically sticks to the oil/grease. basically, a short term band aid that will make things worse after the grime starts sticking.

[tomfraser]

Yup, and used PTFE spray so it would not have dust sticking to it.

[KFN]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

there were some very informative posts in another thread regarding this. i'll try to find them to link in here, but the context was not to use any oils, because dust/etc. typically sticks to the oil/grease. basically, a short term band aid that will make things worse after the grime starts sticking.

Unless there is something specific to the materials used in S65 linkages (I'm all ears), this is an argument against lubricating anything that is exposed to the elements. That's like saying you shouldn't lubricate a bicycle chain. I suppose you could say once you start, then you have to occasionally clean/re-apply - that I would buy - but for older mechanisms, again, I can't see the harm.

[roastbeef]

I'm not making the argument, I'm regurgitating what I read in another thread. I can see what you're saying, I just don't know how sensitive these things are.

[KFN]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

I'm not making the argument, I'm regurgitating what I read in another thread. I can see what you're saying, I just don't know how sensitive these things are.

Nor am I suggesting that you, personally, are categorically anti-lube, sir. If someone were to chime in with OMG that 3M crap will eat your ball joints and leave you stranded, I'd be in the garage with solvent ASAP.

[monterey]

Are the linkages on a bearing or bushing?

[Richbot]

The linkage is plastic on metal. Most road debris and dust will be harder than the plastic

[Maxf80M3]

Has any one looked into metal gears ? I'm sure someone with a nice Cnc setup could manufacture some easily . So these gears break from wear and tear ?

[Shredicus]

Originally Posted by Maxe93

Has any one looked into metal gears ? I'm sure someone with a nice Cnc setup could manufacture some easily . So these gears break from wear and tear ?

Alpina527 makes a set of metal/delrin gears

[6ixSpd]

Originally Posted by Maxe93

Has any one looked into metal gears ? I'm sure someone with a nice Cnc setup could manufacture some easily . So these gears break from wear and tear ?

Lol yes this has been an option for years.

[spiderspider]

is it me or are the prices dropping on this part? new oem with 2 year warranty for $546 at Turner. FCP has lifetime warranty, but at an increase in price of 40%

[BrewRifle]

Originally Posted by spiderspider

is it me or are the prices dropping on this part? new oem with 2 year warranty for $546 at Turner. FCP has lifetime warranty, but at an increase in price of 40%

It's about time. These things were at highway robbery pricing previously.

[drummer20]

I was the one who posted that silicone may be unwise to use on bearing. I know I will never do it again. There is a bunch of posts in the TA DIY thread.

I did so based on this document. http://www.schaeffler.com/remotemedi...pi15_de_us.pdf

I know for a fact those are the bearing inside our TAs. Clearly, those same bearings are used in the throttle valves themselves. It's likely that a similar bearing is used in the throttle linkages. Bearings are supposed to have bearing grease in them, not silicone. I ordered some of the TA bearings and they came pre greased. Anyway, in the document it clearly states to keep these bearings silicone free. Use that 3M spray at your own risk. As I said in the other thread, an old windex bottle full of water might be a better idea. Although truth be told, I still have the 3M spray all over my linkages cuz I read the document after I did it and there is no way to remove silicone completely.

[G80indy]

Remember the days of "oil change and lube"
???
I just seriously dated myself

[AustinMsport]

I lubed mine extensively about 4 months ago. No issues so far.

[KFN]

FWIW, the linkage points that in my case were squeaking (loudly, like an old screen door) are circled in blue - the ball joints, not the bearings - those are indicated by the red arrows. I did not lubricate anything in or on the actual throttle actuators.

[G80indy]

What about a graphite / dry lube?

[Beemdog]

Originally Posted by 330indy

What about a graphite / dry lube?

A dry graphite based lube would work and not attract dust, but I would question for how long any of these lubes would really be effective and how often are you willing to remove the whole plenum assembly to do this work? Honestly folks, silicone based "lubricants" are very questionable these days and are specifically forbidden in gov't funded aerospace industries. I've personally seen silicone sprays cause damage to certain plastic over the long term, and avoid any silicone products like the plague...

[meyergru]

Plain WD40 will do. WD40 also has a cleaning effect because it is a penetrating lubricant.

I had this done first in December 2015 (mine is a late 2011 build) and just the other day. While the bearings squeaked the first time after 4 years without lubrication, this time (after another year), everything was still fine and would probably have lasted another year.

[drummer20]

Originally Posted by BeamerBimmer

So would regular silicone spray (not the 3m dry) work on the highlighted blue circles? I don't see how a thin film would attract enough dust/debris to get into a small space.

regular silicone spray would be even worse because it wouldn't be "dry" type and therefore it would attract dirt...

There is a guy on the forums who posted that he washes his linkages lightly with just water and he got around 100k miles from his TAs. It's only a single data point but that's definitely on the high end of the TA lifetime. This guy also meticulously cleaned his engine bay regularly which honestly is probably the best thing you can do. Over the years, there will be a lot less dust and grime where it shouldn't be and things will last a lot longer.