Silicone for longer rubber boot/bushing life?

[Skibane]

Anyone periodically apply silicone lubricant (or some other protectant) to their rubber bushings, U-joint covers, rack boots, motor mounts, etc.?

Seems like a spritz every year or so would help protect them from ozone- and heat-related cracking. However, there doesn't seem to be any mention of it in the FSM (or the FSMs of other vehicles I've owned, either).

Worth the trouble?

[maxnix]

Wurth. Silicone like WD-40 will accelerate rubber deterioration.

[Skibane]

IIRC, WD-40 is a "water displacing" petroleum-based lubricant. There's no silicone in it.

What I'm referring to is aerosol silicone (i.e., silicone, propellent, and some liquid vehicle that evaporates shortly after application).

[FarFetched]

Try to keep rubber parts dry on outside. All lubricants attract dust, dirt, etc. Dirt accumulation is not a good thing, it will increase wear of rubber parts make it hard to inspect as well. Also you want to keep rubber bushings dry to reduce unwanted penetration of lubricant between bushing and eyelet. You know what might happen then, right Just my $.02$ Cheers!

[elwesso]

I prefer just to leave them alone, because its not really doing anything to make them last longer... especially when they only last 4 years.

[Q45tech]

You have so many rubber weather seals, window seals, fixed glass seals, suspension insert bushings, drive shaft isolation and centering bushings............things that should last more than 4 years.

[maxnix]

Wurth was developed originally for the exterior rubber parts on the 914.

It will help replenish the oxidized components of the rubber and seal the surface to prevent further damage.

[Skibane]

Try to keep rubber parts dry on outside. All lubricants attract dust, dirt, etc.

Dry lubricants don't attract dirt.

As it is, most rubber compounds are factory-impregnated with waxes, fillers and other chemicals that improve their resistance to ozone, UV light, oil, etc. None of these chemicals last forever.