Dirty lift mechanism

[Ryan242]

I’m the new owner of a ‘76. It was suggested I put some lubricant on the lift cables, when I got under there, I noticed the lift system is quite dirty. The guide rod has a little rust, thought I’d sand it and maybe put some of this ‘rust dissolved on it before greasing it. What does anyone think about cleaning up the rest of this? Wire brush? Does it matter? I’m hesitant to power wash as I don’t want to get too much water in there.

 

[Ryan242]

I just lubed it all and crossed my fingers… it worked . Should I lube the shaft that comes out of the hydraulic housing? Looks clean as a whistle from always being in there I guess

 

[JackandJanet]

That "shaft" looks like the guide rod to me. Yes, I would coat it with lithium grease. I apply that stuff to my guide rod once a year, after wiping it clean with shop towels.

- Jack

 

[Ryan242]

The shaft is above the guiderod, It’s what’s doing the “pushing” (circled in yellow). The guideeod is below it and I greased that

 

[JackandJanet]

You can grease both of them. And, I'd smooth off any rough patches on the guide rod.

- Jack