Originally Posted by
Precaud
It's important to keep SMO and petroleum products off of that gear. Over time they will deteriorate the nylon, causing premature shrinkage and cracking. Only use synthetic grease on it and the nearby gears.
But the vertical shaft bushing DOES need to be oiled... it makes an unnerving howling/groaning noise when really dry!
Initially I put mineral oil on it, but later when I was satisfied that was operating correctly I switched to silicone grease. I didn't think to clean the mineral oil off first. :thinking:
It's tricky oiling the vertical shaft bushing. I'll have a look and make sure it's wet.