X55 Maintenence

[Hornet18]

Hi,
I just bought myself a Saitek X55 Rhino, and I have read of people getting sticktion issues, and other issues. I wanted to know how youguys best treat the issues you face with the joystick so I know how to deal with it if or when it happens. I know everyone uses different lubes on it to help prevent sticktion issues. Alot of people are against Vaseline (Petroleum Jelly)on plastic, but I also know some people have yet to have issues when using it on the X55.

-Thanks

[b4dshot]

Eventually it seems that everyone starts lubing that thing. Against the opinion of all the smart folks out there: Vaseline is the best lubricant, In over a year I haven’t seen any suffering of the plastic, ymmv

[OldGoat5]

Use this. http://www.homedepot.com/p/DANCO-0-5-oz-Silicone-Faucet-Grease-88693/203193536

It is the silicon grease, it is the same stuff that the x52 comes with, should be same as x55. It is safe for plastic and is used from the factory, and if you open the base of the stick you can see it pool at the bottom, just grab some of that if you need it. Otherwise buy some.

The silicon grease is better than chapstick, wax, and graphite lube which I tried before. Also lasts the longest.

[Hornet18]

@b4dshot:

Eventually it seems that everyone starts lubing that thing. Against the opinion of all the smart folks out there: Vaseline is the best lubricant, In over a year I haven’t seen any suffering of the plastic, ymmv

OK, good to hear that vaseline is working well for you. Like i mentioned many people freak out when you use it, but i haven’t heard any issues from those who have.

[Hornet18]

@OldGoat5:

Use this. http://www.homedepot.com/p/DANCO-0-5-oz-Silicone-Faucet-Grease-88693/203193536

It is the silicon grease, it is the same stuff that the x52 comes with, should be same as x55. It is safe for plastic and is used from the factory, and if you open the base of the stick you can see it pool at the bottom, just grab some of that if you need it. Otherwise buy some.

The silicon grease is better than chapstick, wax, and graphite lube which I tried before. Also lasts the longest.

I have never use silicon grease, but i will definitely look into some! Thanks

[taotoo]

Years ago on an X52 I used silicone lubricant from an angling shop. IIRC it would temporarily make it better, but after a few hours make it worse.

[Malc]

Copper Grease works well.

[b4dshot]

Yeah, I’ve tried silicone lube but it’s not as good as evil vaseline

[Snelle]

Apparently there’s a host of ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE advice concerning what lubricants can be used with Plastics. Making the wrong choice is likely to result in permanent damage, and even the eventual destruction of your prized plastic possession.

The Good
Ones you should use

1. Barium - Harder to find, mostly available from industrial supply. I don’t have any personal experience using it myself, but it is used for high-wear applications and in pneumatic control equipment like air cylinders.

2. Lithium - Typically used for bearings this comes as a grease/paste in a variety of specific application options. However any multipurpose lithium grease will work fine so long as it’s not one of the varieties with a much thicker blend. Some spray can options are available, if slightly harder to find.

3. Dry Teflon pastes - Somewhat expensive but very effective.

The Maybe
Use with caution

1. Silicone - Available in many varieties and applications, and you must select the type that is intended for your use. Certain mixes contain purposed additives or viscosity ratings that could actually hinder performance or potentially damage your internals.
Comes in spray cans or paste form. I would personally recommend the electrical grade cans because it’s a bit thicker than most cans that are just labeled as “food grade”. Therefore it builds up a film layer that will last for much longer. Food grade will also work.

2. Petroleum Jelly - Pure Petroleum Jelly is compatible with plastics and synthetic rubber, but not advisable for natural rubbers. Avoid any relevant products that include additives for moisturizing and be sure that the parts it will be interacting with are chemically compatible.

3. Molybdenum Grease - While it is plastic safe, it is not intended for this type of application. Intended use is for machinery.

4. Graphite powder/paste/spray - While it is plastic safe, it is not intended for this type of application. Intended use is for machinery. Also extremely messy.

The Bad
Ones you should not be using

1. WD-40 - This stuff was NOT DEVELOPED as a lubricant. It primarily is used for water-displacement (where the WD acronym comes from), de-greasing, and rust removal. It will UTTERLY DESTROY O-rings in a fairly short period of time, and will eventually destroy plastics.

2. Vegetable Oil - This is a food product and will eventually start to decompose. You will end up with a bacteria farm inside of x55

3. Mineral Oil - Will penetrate o-rings and cause them to soften and swell. Does the same to any natural or synthetic rubber products.

4. Glycerin based (KY jelly or otherwise) - Also a food product (a sugar) which dries up very quickly and will eventually farm bacteria and make sticky surfaces.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Just use silicone. Nothing else is intended for this type of application.