Originally Posted by
JamesL_71
I just converted my AE 12R5.2 over to damper tubes...
Everything went smoothly enough and the Speed Merchant parts looks to be very nice quality. My only complaint would be the amount of material(or lack thereof) left around the screw holes on the pod upper plate. But as long as I am careful and dont torque the screws to death, I think everything will be fine. Overall, I am excited to try out the car with the tubes.
I have a few questions for you guys who have been using 12ths with damper tubes for a while:
1) How often do you clean/re-lube the tubes? Obviously this depends on how clean the surface/facility is... but say it is a typical club-type carpet track. Are we talking about cleaning/re-lubing once a week? Or in between every round? Etc...
2) For a typical club-race/medium bite carpet track, what are the common lubes used for a 17.5 12th? I have heard suggestions of 10k, 15k, and the Speed Merchant "Green" Spooge.
3) Are damper tubes a consumable item? Do they "wear" out or develop play after time? And are they a commonly broken item in side impacts? Basically... should I keep spares in my pit box?
Thanks fellas
1. For club racing, I usually rebuild every other raceday.
2. I have 5k, 10k, 20k, and 30k in my box. I rarely use the 5k, mostly use the 10k on front kingpins, the 20k and 30k end up in the tubes. It all depends on the level of traction, and which class of motor (17.5 or 13.5) I'm running.
3. Damper tubes are pretty tough. The tubes on my Xi, were previously used on my XL, and my X before that, so my "normal use" tubes have been in service for at least 5 years. I have spares, but I've never had to install them.