What to protect rubber trim and hoses?

[Jason Upshaw]

Hi everyone,

What is the best product to protect and preserve rubber seals and hoses?

Thanks,

Jason

[Rob A.]

Re: What to protect rubber trim and hoses?

If you can still find it, LOW GLOSS ARMORALL, but I think it's been disscontinued. It protects like regular, put dries with a matte finish instead of the regular gloss finish.

[Mike McKown]

Don't know about protection but for appearance

WD-40 sprayed on and then wiped off leaves a nice sheen on old rubber. Even better on newer rubber.

[Jason Upshaw]

Re: Don't know about protection but for appearance

I have friends who have mentioned a thin layer of dielectric grease on a rag wiped on seals and rubber keeps them from drying out. Anyone else heard of this?

[Duke W.]

Re: Don't know about protection but for appearance

Yes, but it can be messy. I think a better solution is to use silicone spray lubricant. Wet a small piece of rag with the spray, then wipe down the rubber seals. When the volatile carrier evaporates it leaves a film of silicone on the seal, which will protect the rubber and prevent squeaks. Armor-all on door seals will cause squeaks.

I'm leery about using WD-40 on rubber as I believe the active ingredient is petroleum based and some rubber compounds can be attacked by petroleum based compounds. Silicone is highly inert and will not chemically attack organic compounds.

I only use Armor-all on tires and external external rubber and vinyl trim, but I dilute it 50 percent with distilled water, which yields a satin rather than shinny surface.

For interior vinyl I use Pledge furniture polish (the plain unscented kind), which is carnuba wax in a petroleum distillate carrier. It will help seal vinyl, which will lower the rate of outgassing and extend the time is takes for outgassing to cause shrinkage and cracking. Pledge also leaves behind a satin finish, which is not too slippery or shiny.

Duke

[Jason Upshaw]

Re: Don't know about protection but for appearance

Duke,

Thanks for the help. I am printing out your post for reference as we speak. I have just purchased a '95 ZR-1 with 2900 miles and want to preserve the seals and hoses as much as possible.

Thanks again

Jason U

[Terry M.]