Best way to lubricate door hinge?

[ole81]

I see that some folks have problems with the hinge pin coming out.
Our problem is that lately the hinge is much stiffer.
I know that in the aircraft world, aluminum hinges are lubricated with dry graphite....but how do you get the graphite to travel up and down the pin?

All suggestions would be appreciated.....

Bob and Gail

[r carl]

Take the pin out and clean and lube it is one option.

[TinTin]

Perhaps use graphite on the locking mechanism, teflon lube or a little 3 in 1 oil on the hinges?

[ole81]

My understanding is that the aircraft world recommends against using oil on hinges because oil can carry grit into the hinge and make matters worse.

Unfortunately, the pin cannot be driven out because the base of the fitting is blind....so that the pin cannot fall out the bottom.

Bob and Gail

[TinShack]

You might try some Lockease. It's basically graphite in a penetrating liquid. When applied, the liquid evaporates leaving the graphite. You can pick it up at most hardware stores.
AGS Company - Lock-Ease® Graphited Lock Fluid

[ole81]

Many thanks.
I have never heard of that product, but will check the local hardware stores next week.
...and will report my findings...and hopefully success.

Bob and Gail

[dznf0g]

There are also a variety of dry lubes made for bicycle and motorcycle chains which penetrate, dry and leave a lube behind. Some are parifin based and some are Teflon based. I like them a lot. Designed to penetrate deep and don't attract dirt nor wash off. They are typically clear and colorless as well.

Sent from my XT907 using Airstream Forums mobile app

[Morgan guy]

The dry lubes work very well. I also use them on the folding step. They don't collect grit and last quite a while. I have found them at the big box stores.

[dkottum]

I use Boeshield T-9 to lube and provide corrosion protection to the door and step hinges, stabilizer jacks, as well as corrosion protection for the underbody steel. Leaves a paraffin wax film when it dries.

[knunut]

I use Boeshield T-9 for hinge and awning hardware. Works Great.

[badkat]

My new problem..seem to have graphite coming out of my top door hinge and the door is not closing as well.

What is the solution? Have an RV guy coming out in a couple of days. What should he look for? HELP! I am a full-timer so need this fixed.

[dkottum]

Originally Posted by badkat

My new problem..seem to have graphite coming out of my top door hinge and the door is not closing as well.

What is the solution? Have an RV guy coming out in a couple of days. What should he look for? HELP! I am a full-timer so need this fixed.

Here's the Airstream door adjustment procedure if the door is not closing well. It may be the trailer is sitting a bit off level, or a stabilizing jack is too tight, before you start adjusting the door.

Airstream How To: Adjusting Trailer Main Doors - YouTube

[Aage]

This is one of the things I always use spray silicon on.

It's clean to use, seems to be willing to migrate into the door hinges enough to reduce or kill friction and/or squeaks without making a mess. OK, it may have to be applied more frequently than a graphite-based lube, but the graphite ones I have ever used leak out and stain things, me included.

Another plus is that it is I find the silicon spray to be a good product to put on your rubber door seals, at least twice a season. Keeps them supple, which allows them to make better contact.

[badkat]

Thanks..adjusted the stabilizers and things look good. The video also is very helpful.

Yeah..no repair bill,