I have been lubing my O-ring brakes with Parkers O ring lube which is a very thick sticky lubricant...lately, it has been acting more like epoxy and preventing the o-ring from expanding. It is to the point that I have to remove the brakes, clean them and relube them before every flying session - which is a pain in the keester. Is there something thinner that will do the same job??

Hi Wayne

Is it cold in your part of Canada this time of year? If so this may be something to do the Parkers lube going a little thick. When overhauling my BVM brakes I normally pump some thinner model car shock oil in with a hand pump when the wheel is off. This will expand the O ring till the oil leaks through and I think this cleans the muck out. I only use a small amount of Parkers on the drum itself to stop it grabbing. It works for me anyway

Jason

Wayne,
It sounds as if you are using far to much of the Parker O-lube. You want a very THIN film of lube on the drum itself. Clean up the brake assembly well. Put a small dab on your pinky, swipe the drum. Then, wipe off your finger on a rag, swipe again. do this process three times. Should solve the problem....
Todd

I have done lots of flying in winter and also use Packer O-ring lube. But when it gets cold I clean it all off and use no lube at all. Even then when it gets to minus 10C they still don't work all that great, but it will bring the model to a stop though.

John

Oh....................... I think Todd hit the nail on the head......I was slathering it on all over the o-ring

I have been using automotive silicone grease for years on all of my wheels/brakes. Works great at all temperatures, and it's a lot cheaper and more easy to obtain than what the hobby gurus peddle.

Joe

Like Joeflyer said, silicone lubes are the best as petrol-based products will cause the rubber to swell over time. Most if not all rc car shock oils are silicone based, thats a good thing if your using that in the lines.