fabric

I'm finally just about ready to put my axles back in, but have not been able to locate copper anti-seize locally. They either don't have it or it's not in stock. I have regular silver anti-seize, which seems to have the same properties as copper anti seize, but copper is what's spec'ed by the shop manuals.

Is there a specific reason for using copper on the axle splines and thread? I'd like to avoid having to have it shipped, or wait for somebody to actually stock it, and if I can put the silver anti-seize on, I can actually get them put back in this weekend.

marton

only use copper anti - seize on copper based components

Marton
otherwise feel free to use something more modern (WSM was written in the Flintstone era)

G Man

I don't see why you couldn't use something else besides copper. If the Porsche police aren't watching, I say go for it!

Bus

I never realized this was hard to get. The Autozone in your area shows this as a stocking item:
http://www.autozone.com/selectedZip,.../selectZip.htm

I have the permatex brand:
http://www.permatex.com/products/aut...ubricant_b.htm
I think I've been using the same tube for about 8 years. I used it last night installing some new iridium plugs in my Aprilia.

I don't know why the aluminum based stuff wouldn't work too.. as it will be between two pieces of steel.

doktor-t

Copper works on most occations, even the threads of the sparkplugs.

Aluminum can be used on many occations too but NOT WITH ALUMINUM PARTS.


Tobias, Sweden

fabric

Yeah, I called that Autozone and they said they didn't have it. I also called about 5 other auto parts store, and even the local VW dealer, and none of them have it. Either out of stock, or I get a "copper anti seize?" type of response.

Bill Ball

The whole copper versus "silver" anti-seize thing has me confused. Most general-purpose anti-seize compounds contain copper, aluminum and graphite.

Anyway, in reference to spark plugs, one anti-seize vendor has a chart that recommends zinc-based anti-seize for aluminum against steel. I don't put anything on spark plugs and only use copper type where called for.
http://www.sacskyranch.com/antiseize.htm

According to the WSM the copper-colored Optimoly should not be used on steel to alloy.

fabric

Hmm. So far what I"ve got is that Nickel will probably work anywhere, except for aluminum on steel, which should have zinc. Graphite may or may not be bad on aluminum. The permatex 133A I have is probably the aluminum graphite stuff. Anecdotal evidence I've found is that people have used just about everything anywhere and not actually had any problems.

I may just be overanalyzing this, but these probably aren't coming out again for a while, and I'd rather it be as easy then as it was this time.

Bill Ball

Fabric: Permatex 133A (8143) is general purpose and has some copper in it and should work fine. Permatex also makes pure Nickel (77124) and Copper (09128) antiseize.

123

The last time I bought some of the copper stuff, I think I got it at NAPA.

69gaugeman

Chris, you will be fine. only when there is electrolysis is the type important (salted roads). It will come out fine with your anti seize.

fabric

Well, I do drive mine in the winter. Anyway, they are in with what I have now. Considering how clean they were when they came out, it's not as if there's a whole lot of water getting in there, you could probably just put grease in there and it would be fine.

69gaugeman

yes

FlyingDog

I was told one time that copper anti-seize is special order only... I walked across the store and picked up a tube off the shelf, walked back and said "Oh yeah?" The guy behind the counter didn't say another word.