Old X-52s got a squeak to it.

[Fenin]

So, I've got an X-52.  Not the pro model, just the plain old grey one.  But the sticks developed a bit of a squeak at times.  I know that the piece making the noise is the plastic ring at the bottom of the spring.

It only does it during slow movements towards the edges of the joysticks movement range. 

My first reaction was to google the problem, which came up with two choices.  Silicon spray, and chap stick. 


From what I've read, the silicon spray actually made the squeak worse, but the chap stick helped.  Anyone else ever had this problem?  I've tried also just cleaning off the plastic ring, but that only helps for a few minutes.

[Bizman]

The chap stick is stickier than silicone spray, that's why it will help longer. There's special lubricants for plastic, something thick and sticky might be your best choice. As you said, cleaning helps for awhile. After cleaning and lubricating you should make sure that no debris can make its way into the grease. That's what the rubber collar in many sticks is for. The X52 doesn't have one, but making something similar to those around the gearstick in some cars is an easy task and might help. Also, don't eat anything that crumbles at your flying desk!

[morfiend]

 You could try good oldfashion soap!  Yup soap!

   Candle wax and or soap have been used for years to stop squeaky drawers and window sashes!


   I put a washer made of cardboard,later I used a very thin veneer or plywood and placed it above the spring,a 1 inch holesaw cuts the exact size you need and all you have to do is cut a slot in it so it slides around the metal stem.

  Tightening up the spring got rid of the squeak and I never had to "lube" the spring perch cup again!   I used my X52 for close to 8 years before I retired it and it still works pretty good!


   

[Rob52240]

I'd suggest GDL (garage door lube) from B'laster.  It is also sold as cable and track lube.
It's an inexpensive product that I prefer for household use because it dries tack free and the residue does not attract dust.  (do not use their flagship product PB Blaster because it will dissolve plastic)


Rem Oil or any other gun oil should work fine too.  I use Rem Oil and Marvel Mystery Oil when the pots on my old Klipsch speakers volume control acts up.  Marvel is sold in pen form which is great for small jobs that only require a drop or few.


You could also try white lithium grease or Crisco.

[Latrobe]

I had this happen to mine before. I just stuck a piece of cloth under the plastic disk and flew around like that for a day or two. Took the cloth out after that and no more squeaking or sticking.

[Fenin]

Huh, Rem-Oil.  I have a good amount of that laying around.   

Let's see...

[Ratsy]

Fulcrum let me know about this product:

DOW MOLYKOTE 44 Silicone Bearing Grease (light)

I ordered it from Amazon and used it on a Saitek X-55.  A little bit will go a long way.

It's not cheap but a tube of it should last over multiple stick life-times.

 

[Ramesis]

I used Vaseline...easy to clean off and works well
Ram

Oh and btw...please no masturbation jokes