I use alchohol to clean the shafts when needed. Note: the M/M (of my Seneca
at least) cautions against "lubricating the control wheel shaft or bushing"


"Jay Honeck" wrote in message
news:TgOed.298228$MQ5.193396@attbi_s52...
A previous owner, in an attempt to make his yokes move more freely, used
dry
graphite in the yokes on our Pathfinder.

Of course, as moisture and condensation came and went, this graphite
clumped
up and got gritty. This would restrict motion, so he apparently added
MORE
graphite.

Long story short, we've been using spray-on silicone for the last two
years.
At first, every time I sprayed we would pull out chunks of black graphite
out of the yoke bushings. This diminished over time gradually, to the
point
where now our rag might come out black after spraying, but there are no
discernible particles.

The yokes work pretty smoothly now, but I find that I must spray them
every
week or so to maintain absolute freedom of movement. (I have discovered
that the difference between an okay landing, and a greaser, is the ability
to "finger-tip adjust" in the flare...)

What do you guys use on your yokes? Is there anything that lasts longer
than silicone spray that (a) doesn't stain carpet, (b) doesn't stink to
high
heaven, and (c) doesn't leave particulate matter behind?

Thanks!
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"