Last outing I could not lift up my Mirage Drive, sprocket shaft was loose and had moved aft. So I started to dismount the drive to check both sprocket shaft and drum shaft at same time. I do some long races so I was curious how worn they were.
I have read the Tech Tips about maintenance from Roadrunner and about lubrication there is no grease mentioned. But in Tech Tip about sprocket replacement there is grease (Marine Boat Trailer Grease) for the shaft. When the kayak was delivered there was also some white grease from fabric.
I am thinking that my use of WD40 could have the effect that it solves and washes off the original fabric grease. My idea is that maybe I should find the most sticky grease possible and apply on both shafts. There is actually a small shaft in wire wheel also.
My idea is that if I can get the grease to stay on the shafts it will also keep sand/other dirt from coming in to friction surfaces.
The most sticky grease I have found is a white silicon grease made for heat transfer from a pipe to a sensor. Contactpaste Wacker P12 is my choice. Very expensive but I had some in my garage.
WARNING! This not an advise to use this! I have NOT tested it yet.But it is REALLY sticky and I will NOT use any WD40 for places that could wash this grease off. I will keep an extra eye on this during summer 2014 and inspect shafts and plastics at the end of the season.
Feedback would be appreciated.
Am I on to something… or off? ....
BR
thomas