FK has been providing the option for Teflon lined for as long as I can remember. Just add T to the end of most part numbers.
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I have too. I have had a few rod ends get really stiff from lubing them before I knew why. It seemed to take a while though. Once they go stiff though, you know instantly.
I have been using triflow dry lube or blaster dry lube for the past year or so. I have not noticed any ill effects with them. I used to use whatever penetrating oil or lube spray I had. Honestly, I don't know if the dirt they attract causes the issues or if they truly swell or hinder the teflon lining. You can feel them lock up though. Then upon inspection see that the lining has either deformed or shifted. I haven't had that problem since switching. A friend of mine who owns his own airplane told me about the triflow dry lube. He uses it on all his movable linkages which he uses high end teflon lined rod ends on. May not be the best and others may have something they like better, but this has worked for me.
I always used to swear by TriFlow but our non PTFE-lined heims with relatively little wear would be squeaky at the end of the night. We switched to Blaster and no problems since. Like scd, the only non FK PTFE lined rod ends we have now are the j-bar and the shocks. The frame end of the j-bar is where we would always get the squeaking.
I honestly think they changed the formula of TriFlow sometime in the last 5-10 years. It started smelling different around the same time I started noticing squeaking. It also seems a little more volatile than it used to be.
It seems every company has to change a good thing. More than likely cost to produce changed their formula.
Matt49 blaster does work well too and easy to find.
Let me know SCD what you are using. I will get some as well.
Hes trying to rule out for you that it has a seized heim due to swollen teflon liner. I've had it happen I changed what I lube and clean mine with I use a dry lube now. The teflon lined can run at higher loads before they bind from load compared to the steel on steel. It really helps in the steering components. I'd say he is spot on in his advice. I don't use tri flow I use this old stuff my pops has cases of called dri-film
with your rear end hanging, and having a 1/2" of yoke showing..jack up your right rear,. and jack your lift arm up about 3" that half inch will probably disappear. had the same situation with my grt, thought I was fine on yoke clearance til i jacked up the lift arm simulating on the gas. yoke bottomed out moved about 3/4"