The fine print. Negative effects on lubrication on rubber bushings.

[adam_knox]

I'm going for a record number of posts today! Finished installing one leaf, about to move onto the next one, and while I was reading about lubrication, found this dandy sentence: "The rubber cored bushings must not be lubricated or allowed to come in contact with grease or oil."

Guess who used some multipurpose grease in the rubber bushings. Me. Anyone know why they mention this? I had some slight rust on the bolts, and I brillantly thought, "Hey, the grease will help the rubber from tearing and prevent water from sitting in there.":o

So was this statement because old oils were bad for rubber, or do I need to spend the rest of my evening taking the darn thing apart and doing it again? Please tell me I can take the easy way out!

[Plymouthy Adams]

as both are petroleum based..the fact that the oil/grease could react and soften the fubber rendering it totally ineffective..odds are a silicone grease would have done your job without reaction..