I fixed another thing!

"Cé hé sin" (michael-m-mouse) 07/02/2018 at 11:53 • Filed to: Smart Roadster, Silicone lubricant

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This thing. Driver’s door window.

When I bought my new-to-me car it went down perfectly well, because the force of gravity is not to be underestimated, but returned from whence it came with a speed akin to that of an arthritic* snail. It’s been getting worse and on Saturday needed a helping hand. New motor? No, not usually. Silicone lubricant in the frames front and rear.

Top tip: Google “silicone lubricant” with caution. Mr Google has it in mind that you need this for, er, recreational purposes.

So you buy a spray, but you don’t just spray it randomly because it’ll go everywhere, you spray it on to a piece of cardboard and then slide this up and down both frames repeatedly.

Result? The window now goes up as well as down, albeit slower.

Applies to all sliding windows, even those not on a Smart.

* Yes, I know snails don’t have joints and are unlikely to get arthritis. Never mind. They’re hermaphrodites and therefore lead interesting love lives.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Cé hé sin 07/02/2018 at 12:11

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Silicon lubricant is a bitch to get out of fabric.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Cé hé sin 07/02/2018 at 12:42

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Why silicone? I’m all about the PTFE.

Does it not move? Should it? PTFE

Does it move? Should it not? (... then a series of questions that usually end at CA, epoxy, or blue (very rarely red) loctite)

Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW! > Cé hé sin 07/02/2018 at 13:10

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All the mendings!

Mercedes Streeter > Cé hé sin 07/02/2018 at 15:02

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One thing I’ve learned with owning old smarts: Lithium Grease ALL THE THINGS! If it moves, it probably needs some grease. lol

Mercedes Streeter > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 07/02/2018 at 15:03

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White L ithium grease is recommended by Canadian and UK smart owners and now I swear by it. My convertible roof moves so fast .

Cé hé sin > Mercedes Streeter 07/02/2018 at 16:02

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A thing I’ve learned: you need a set of Torx bits and the more obscure Torx sockets.

Also, nothing is easily accessible, so you need universal joints with your socket set. Oh, and tiny hands with at least two wrists each would be good.

Oh, and if you need to change the lower set of plugs (two per cylinder) you’re going to need a lot of time because the rear section of the car has to come off, which would probably explain why the service history I got with mine makes n o reference to new plugs.