Demco Link Bushings Issue

[Still Working "NOT"]

Originally Posted by padutchmnm

checked my glide ride today and found it "sticky" moving back and forth by hand. if you look in the pin box from the back side you can see the links. i took a can of wd40 with the "smart straw", aimed it at the top of the links and soaked them up a couple times, moving the plate in between sprays. it moves smoothly now. we'll see how it works this weekend.

I would stay away from using WD40 since it will collect dirt. Silicone lube is my first choice and graphite is second.

[rockintom]

Update from my contact at Demco. The glide ride bushings DO NOT need to lubricated and he had not idea what caused the bushings to fail in such short order. I sent him the pix I posted here. rockin'

[TexasTwoStep]

Can anyone tell that this thing actually helps? I can't. If I have problems I may weld it.

[rockintom]

Originally Posted by TexasTwoStep

Can anyone tell that this thing actually helps? I can't. If I have problems I may weld it.

Oh Gary, it helps quite a bit. If you compare one with a standard pinbox it's quite an improvement. Are there better ones? Probably with a price!!! rockin'

[drfife]

Originally Posted by TexasTwoStep

Can anyone tell that this thing actually helps? I can't. If I have problems I may weld it.

Gary,

Check out this video to see what the Demco Glide Ride does for you:

The Glide Ride by Demco - YouTube

[TexasTwoStep]

Originally Posted by drfife

Gary,

Check out this video to see what the Demco Glide Ride does for you:

Ok, very impressive. So I am wrong. Can't remember that ever happening before. I do remember thinking I was wrong once, but wasn't. Does that mean was wrong??

[drfife]

Originally Posted by TexasTwoStep

Ok, very impressive. So I am wrong. Can't remember that ever happening before. I do remember thinking I was wrong once, but wasn't. Does that mean was wrong??

Don't worry, I won't tell Jo.

[RickS]

Tom,
Did you replace the bump stop bushing and urethane bumper while you were at it?

http://www.demco-products.com/assets...r-Stop-Kit.pdf

[rockintom]

Originally Posted by RickS

Tom,
Did you replace the bump stop bushing and urethane bumper while you were at it?

http://www.demco-products.com/assets...r-Stop-Kit.pdf

No, it's my understanding that is something that is installed on old Demco units. Mine were already there and I didn't see anything wrong with them. rockin'

[RickS]

Thanks! Going to take my hitch apart this weekend to see what's making all the noise.

[padutchmnm]

spoke to the demco factory rep at Hershey about this issue. he sez lubrication isn't "usually" necessary since the bushings are made of "oil-lite" bronze. but, if you want to, its ok. during my working years, I've made many rolling mill and casting house bushings from "oil-lite" bronze. that is a generic term for that material. there are many variations of bronze alloys and types of lubrication impregnated into it. we always lubed them anyway for extended service life. yes, wd40 might collect some dirt if you are in a very dusty environment. but that will diminish as the petroleum distillates evaporate over time. with the links being very hard to get at without disassembly, using a spray that will "run" seems like compromise to me........mjf.

[Still Working "NOT"]

Mitch, what is your thoughts on using a silicone lubrication? As it doesn't seem attract dirt. Living in western Kansas, we do have dust storms several times a year. This also applies to most western states.

[padutchmnm]

here in the mid-atlantic states we don't have the dust problems you folks have out west with the exception of spending a lot of time at the sea shore. (which I do some, but not extensively) since the DW has now officially retired, we are planning some longer trips out to take in your beautiful areas of the good 'ole USA. so, I think you have a very valid point in using a "dry" type lubricant while we're on the road. silicones or graphites are perfectly fine. i'll be doing some experimenting with them to find one that is "runny" enough to get into the lower bushing (you can't see it) as i'm soaking the upper one. this might be a little messy, but if you use a brake cleaner or similar to clean and flush the links now and then before relubing, it shouldn't be too bad. you really don't need to do this all that often anyway. I just feel better about having some external lubrication in there once in awhile......mjf.

[Still Working "NOT"]

Thanks Mitch. I have quit using WD-40 since it does collect dirt.