Quote:
Originally Posted by snopercod
That's why I posted "Yeah, I know...". but WD-40 will keep the rod ends from rusting until the Zoom Spout Oiler I just ordered arrives.  I normally lubricate my rod ends with Tri-Flow, but the bottle has to be held upside down in order to dispense the fluid. In certain areas, that's just impossible. I chose Tri-Flow because it contains Teflon and is rated to -40 degrees.
This doesn't apply to RVs but I've replaced the 3/8" rod ends in my landing gear mechanism with the PTFE-lined version from McMaster-Carr. They're rated at over twice the static load as the traditional steel and brass, and never need lubricating. I don't think I would use them in my control system, though, because they feel a little stiffer.
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Tri-flow comes in both squirt bottles and spray cans. Found in most bike shops and Ace Hardware FAA/PMA section. The airframe in the type certified world that probably has more rod ends than any other is the Mooney. All three axis are completely torque tube operated, connected by multiple rod ends.
It specifically calls for Tri-flow or all rod ends, and the entire control system is required to be lubricated at least annually by AD. Two main advantages are the teflon and silicone. The carrier solvent evaporates and leaves you with a dry surface that does not attract dirt. I recommend lubing both sides of the rod end, and then working the rod end in whatever direction is possible, to thoroughly get the lube into the non-exposed areas of the joint.