PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - Has anyone found an acceptable alternative for Mercedes slide paste

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the sunroof rails on my cars are still nice and working - the idea of the thinnest possible coat is key, and cleaning them surgically before applying new lube.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graham (Post 3593806)

I don't like the idea of using any type of grease on my sunroofs. The MB stuff is no doubt a good lubricant, but what worries me is that any type of grease/paste will attract dirt particles. Then the problem gets worse.

I have used a dry PTFE (Teflon type) lubricant, made by a company called McLube, and called Sailkote. I had used it previously for lubricating the sail tracks on sailboats where any kind of grease would make a mess of the sails. I bought a spray can at West Marine. Not cheap at $29.99 but it works well and is easy to apply for this and other uses.

McLube : Moly & PTFE Lubricants

MCLUBE Sailkote Dry Lubricant | West Marine

I have used for five years candle wax, just rub the edge of a candle in the rail. That is what was recommended on a RV web site on my awning. Fifteen years on the awning no problems, five years on the 85 sunroof. The reason given is that it does not collect the grit that most petroleum based lubes do, can't say for the silicone based lubes but can't get more economical than the back side of a candle.

Would I use it on a newer more loved vehicle, it think so with closer attention to giving it a cleaning and a rub more frequently.

Quote:

Originally Posted by shertex (Post 3593947)

Apparently the trick is to use the smallest imaginable amount....for the thinnest possible coating. One of those small tins...bought mine from Rusty Cullens ten years ago...should last a lifetime.

But even then it seems as if dirt attraction occurs.

While I haven't always observed this practice, it seems best to apply the grease on as hot a day is possible and in direct sunlight...this, I would think, facilitate getting a thin coat.

FWIW my regimen is to clean with alcohol and re-apply grease once a year or so.

Forgive my ignorance, but where are "the rails"? I just bought some synthetic grease and rubbed it into the metal shiny parts of the sunroof. I assumed that's what the sunroof slides on. However, reading all this, I get the feeling that the shiny bits aren't what's supposed to be lubed?

I then had a look at the factory manual (7730), but in that, it says to actually remove the rails to lube and clean them. I really don't want to do that to a perfectly working sunroof.

So my question is...how do you guys clean and lube the rails without removing them?:o

Quote:

Originally Posted by zu! (Post 3594244)

So my question is...how do you guys clean and lube the rails without removing them?:o

Remove the roof. That process gives access to the rails that the roof slides on. I used a rifle cleaning kit on a cordless drill to access places that I couldn't otherwise reach.

I still have a little hang at the extreme retracted position. The FSM gives specs for what the maximum force should be. I'll take 1 more run at cleaning and decide whether the force is within specs. If it is, I'll learn about the clutch adjustment. The roof has been remove so many times recently that it almost jumps onto the bench on command without tools.

Hopefully the clutch won't deal any harsh lessons.