Re: Disk Drive Lubricant?

[ag471@yfn.ysu.edu (Eric S. Ford)]

In a previous article, joko@well.sf.ca.us (Joe Kohn) says:

>I could use some advice on the best way to clean the innards of an Apple
>3.5" disk drive, as I'm having some problems ejecting disks. The old paper
>clip trick doesn't seem to work, so I opened up the case, and it was filthy
>insider. I managed to get out most of the filth, so was just wondering what
>the best way was to lubricate the rails?
>
>I have some Radio Shack TV cleaner/lubricant. Supposedly, it doesn't leave
>residue. Is it safe to use that to lube the rails inside the 3.5? If not, is
>there any cleaner/lubricant recommended for use in a disk drive.

I seem to remember one sure way to trash a 5.25 drive was to try and lubricate
the rails.  If that residue works its way onto the head it's toast.  I
suspect the same would be true of 3.5 drives.  Having said that, the RS lube
you have should work, but I'd recommend being _EXTREMELY_ conservative with
its application.  Use a Q-tip with the least amount of lube you can imagine
then carefully wipe the rails with the swab.  

Let me know if this improves your disk eject problem.  My drive is starting to 
get slow and I've been thinking about trying to service it myself.


-- 
Eric S. Ford    ag471@yfn.ysu.edu