A question for the Frigidaire/Rollermatic Experts

[joelippard]

On my 1-18 I know it is generally discouraged to lubricate given the roller's and all... But I am wondering if it is advantageous to lubricate in any way the ball joint on the shaft end of the agitate arm? This area appears dry and has a little bit of a raspy sound to it. I considered applying a white lithium grease that I have that comes out as liquid and then dries to the grease consistency. I noticed some grease on the roller end of the agitate arm around the top part of the fitting. Seems to me that would lubricate without slinging around and getting in places it should not. What do you experts think? Thanks in advance for your knowledge.

 

[laundromat]

I deliberately lubed a 1967 FRIGIDAIRE JET-ACTION washer with WD40 to see what would happen.The entire mechanism stopped except the motor.I had to put dish detergent on the rollers and dry them off to get it back to operating again.It worked great for years and was stolen when I took it to my appliance class in school.I truly believe my teacher took it.I took it in to repaint it and replace the water inlet valve(Dole).It was a Gold Crown model with the window lid and Rapidry 1000 spin.It also had the fabric softner on top of the agitator.The one that looked like a flying saucer.Damn! I realy miss that washer!!!It was in mint condition and one of the quietest I never heard!LOL

 

[panthera]

I bet Samantha and

co. can give you a more exact answer, but back when I was responsible for those 70+ rollermatics, one of the biggest problems was when a student would lube one. Understandable, and I will not upset those who still think 'tragi-matic' is an insult (may they have to replace and adjust both belts, that'll teach them) but each thumper has her own foibles and those damn nylon rollers just don't want to be lubed up. At all.
My solution was to apply a very thin film (and I mean thin) of hi-temp hypoid gear grease. It stayed put, stopped the stutter and kept things running. Every so often I'd encounter the dreaded 'thunk' but no spin, when the shaft was too gummed up to slide. A careful wipe with carbon tet. (boy, those were the days, you can't even get it today, at least over here) always freed things up and I didn't upset the pristine cleanliness of the holy rollers.
Yes, roller-matics were very quiet and, when they worked, they were great washers. But high-maintenance takes on another meaning with those ladies.

 

[joelippard]

It wouldn't be...

The "holy rollers" that I want grease or have oil anywhere near, I can only imagine how they'd love that, and they are working perfectly. I'm just curious about the ball joint on the agitate arm. I wouldn't want to use anything that would create guminess or attract dust/grime. Has anyone else tried this?

To Laundromat, I'm very sorry about what happened with your machine, I remeber those, mother had one without the window lid. Mine is similar to yours except it's the 1-18... Check out the thread "Yesterday's Excursion" if you want to see mine.

 

[gyrafoam]

NO!

Don't even THINK about it!

 

[gansky1]

Agitate arm & ball joint -

Absolutely. If the agitate arm ball joint seems to be "dry" you can add a little grease to the ball joint. That won't hurt a thing.

 

[davy1063]

no problems

Did the same thing to my '67 WCIL and it runs perfectly quiet now. However use it sparingly.

 

[gyrafoam]

Rollermatics sense the presence of oil and freak-out! Beware!

 

[laundromat]

Joelippard,I saw them! Poppy is my second favorite color just down from turquoise!

 

[joelippard]

well, just for the record

Yeserday (Friday) I did in fact lube the ball joint with a silicon based white lithium grease. I placed a towel between the ball joint and the roller area as to protect them. After lubrication I manually rotated the mechanism to let some of the grease get into the ball joint. Be mindful that I used the lubricant very sparingly as there are no globs of lubricant visible. I also performed the general maintenace of cleaning the rollers with Ronson Lighter Fluid. I also purchased some egg-crate syle sound absorbing foam. I lined the inside of the front panel and placed two small strips in each of the sides where the front panel joins. I also left the front panel off overnight so the lubricant could get good air circulation and drying. The combination of all these things makes for a very highly civilized 1-18 without ruining the character of the machine (in my opinion). The small squeak in the ball joint is gone and it ran five loads beautifully this morning, and without issue. I am still amazed at how quickly and effectively it plows through load after load.

 

[davy1063]

Congratulations!

Sounds like you got yourself one great machine there. I'll bet you with good care it will run for years to come.