Hardware & Technical Dampening Grease and Restraints for HOTAS

[Kentai]

Ideally, you'll want to thoroughly clean off all the old lubricant (wipe off the bulk of it then spray it down with a plastic safe degreaser), then apply a thin layer of damping grease to the length of the rails and the area of the slide that contacts the rails. A little extra won't hurt, but you don't need a lot.

You'll also want to replace the grease where the potentiometer arm attaches to the underside of the throttle slider. However, something less tacky than 767a would be better for this.

Cool, sounds like the entire rail is the way to go. Would 92% isopropyl alcohol be an adequate degreaser in your opinion? Also, do you have a recommendation for a less tacky grease for the potentiometer arm? Thanks again!

 

[Morbad]

Cool, sounds like the entire rail is the way to go. Would 92% isopropyl alcohol be an adequate degreaser in your opinion?

It should suffice.

Also, do you have a recommendation for a less tacky grease for the potentiometer arm? Thanks again!

Not specifically. I'd just use any quality PTFE filled silicone or lithium grease you can find locally.

 

[PiLhEaD]

Not in my experience..... EDIT: just tested as ship roll axis, works fine.

Thanks. I'll have another stab at the 'control bindings mini-game'.

 

[PiLhEaD]

When applying dampening grease, or any type of lubricant to the rails of the throttle would it be better to apply a line to the full length of the rails or just put the grease near the location where the throttle is riding the rails (so it would spread the grease when moved back and forth)?

I applied a very small smear to the rails either side of the throttle and then ran the throttle back and forth a few times. I also didn't clean the rails prior to this, and thus far all seems fine.

My suspicion is that releasing the tensioning bar plays a significant part in any improvement. At no point have I needed to disassemble the throttle.

 

[Morbad]

I applied a very small smear to the rails either side of the throttle and then ran the throttle back and forth a few times. I also didn't clean the rails prior to this, and thus far all seems fine.

My suspicion is that releasing the tensioning bar plays a significant part in any improvement. At no point have I needed to disassemble the throttle.

The reason it's usually recommended to remove the old grease first is that mixing greases can have unpredictable effects on viscosity and longevity. I know what the viscosity of pure 767a is, how it feels, and how long I can expect it to last. I couldn't predict exactly how the feel would be affected by mixing it in unknown proportions with an unknown thinner grease, or how long I could really expect it to stay in place without degradation afterwards.

Loosening the tension can help with stiction, but a good grease application will eliminate stiction and allow for smooth motion at even very high tensions.

 

[Kentai]

Hey guys. I wanted to follow up. I received my NyoGel 767a yesterday and applied it to my TWCS Throttle. I never imagined how much of a positive effect it would have. The throttle feels like it's hydraulic now. I used my 91% alcohol to remove the manufacturer's grease and a toothpick to apply the NyoGel to the rails and potentiometer liberally. Thanks again for all your advice! o7