Lubricating the slide rail?

[Carl Watts]

Probably what would be more significant is to know the actual grade of Stainless steel used on the rail before comments could be made on how resistant it was to corrosion. Owing to the fact that there are several grades available, the more common ones being SUS304 and SUS316 there is a huge difference in their properties and there ability to resist corrosion or oxidation.

Bottom line is if the rail, rollers and bearings are in good shape then you can run the slide dry and it should still operate at a noise level that you cannot hear above that of the flywheel. The OEM bearings in my Model C seat rollers are made in China and would not be my first choice as the quitest option available.

[Greypuller]

Thanks for the input....depending on bearing size below is a link to an excellent outfit for replacements with free same day shipping in the US:

http://www.bocabearings.com/main1.aspx?p=docs&id=35

[Terry S.]

I've been using C2's chain oil on the rail for five years or so -- as suggested by one of their experts when I sent an email asking about "the squeak."

I find I need to apply it a little more frequently than the fifty hour interval recommended for oiling the chain.

Don't know about pitting. At the rate it may be happening, that rail is going to outlast my use of my Model C by a century or two.

Erg on.

Terry

[c2jonw]

The stainless track is 304 stainless which we typically reccommend cleaning with a mild cleanser and mild abrasive (such as a fine Scotch-Brite pad) to keep it clean. Additionally we've found that a light buffing with our chain oil (which is mineral oil) helps reduce the occasional squeak that happens when the seat changes direction.
The bearings provided are ABEC 1 and I would bet that you'd be very hard pressed to tell the difference between them and the pricey ABEC 7 Ceramic bearings, especially after a reasonable break-in period. The speeds and loads that the bearings are subjected to are so low that an ABEC 7 would be unnecessary overkill. C2JonW

[Nosmo]

Has anyone noticed any corrosion if the stainless rail? neither my machine nor our clubs (which get a lot of abuse and little maintenance ) don't show any--even on the machine that someone dropped into our salt water lake (a lot of the other parts didn't do too well though--but we replaced them and it is still working after several years)

I've been cleaning with Windex for years. No problems. Given how reasonably C2 prices replacement parts I'm not too concerned if I have to replace it after ten years.

[flan48]

As a chemist whose career was (and still is, 3 days per week) in the household and personal care cleansers industry, I can tell you that windex will not harm stainless steel, regardless of grade, and mineral oil will in no way cause, enhance nor accelerate, rusting. If anything, the hydrophobic film from the oil would prevent rusting.

Best regards
Barry, 64 (and these days just trolling here)
New Jersey

[damn lucky]

I use Pledge, which seems to worka dn has a nice smell!

[Montanaandy]

Been using Windex on my Model C rails after each session ever since I purchased it. Gets the black gunk off and leaves a nice shine to the steel. Have not noticed any squeaking but may not hear it because of the music. Also use diluted Simple Green after each session on the handles, footrest (I row barefoot), powder coated frame, seat. Erg is then nice and clean and ready to go for the next rower (wife, kids or myself). Has worked well for millions of meters so I see no reason to change. Montanaandy