Smoother Wheels?

[xenologer]

Since there have been some Racer's topics in here I suppose this is the right forum...

With Minifig Scale cars, and Tiny Turbo's, those small wheels(non-techinc); anyone have any issues with them being either noisey or lots of friction?

I've found that dripping water into the hubs makes them roll a lot smoother.

The only problem of course, is that water dries out after a while.

Anyone here use actual oil or other things on their wheels?

[Martin255]

Hmmmm...mmmmmm....mmmm....m...

Good idea...But i usualy just move my cars by hand...Or 'teleport' them...

Good idea...mmm...gotta love cheese....

[ghoulrealm]

Some of my oldest axles are rusted. 1 or 2 are even unusable, but I don't use wheels that much anyhow :-P

[5150 Lego]

Just suirt in a dab of WD-40. works great, and no more noise! Just don't use to much, other wise it will get all over the place, and come out on the floor while your rolling it around.

[alexGS]

Since there have been some Racer's topics in here I suppose this is the right forum...

With Minifig Scale cars, and Tiny Turbo's, those small wheels(non-techinc); anyone have any issues with them being either noisey or lots of friction?

I've found that dripping water into the hubs makes them roll a lot smoother.

The only problem of course, is that water dries out after a while.

Anyone here use actual oil or other things on their wheels?

Certainly WD40 or even vegetable oil will work, but vegetable derivatives become sticky and messy, and with any mineral oils you run the risk of damaging the plastic (it will crack).

My suggestion would be silicone grease - as the safest grease for plastic parts. It may be a little hard to find this where you live - try an engineering shop, or try a model shop (whichever is easier) - it is sold for small R/C car gearboxes at huge cost (but you don't need much). Don't try to use silicone heatsink grease (white) from electronics shops - similar, but NOT the same! The grease you want is translucent, and melts slightly with temperature. You only need the slightest smear to achieve the result you want.

I used to use silicone grease with my Technic models, and it made a huge difference to the smooth running.

If you can't get silicone grease, I would expect silicone spray (auto parts store) to be almost as effective (and still safe to use), though it probably won't last as long and application may be messy.

-Alex