I use WD-40 to loosen rusty nuts and screws and to dry wet ignitions. I do not recommend it as a lubricant because it will not last and it does not protect metals from corrosion. WD-40 is very light petroleum product that penetrates well, absorbs water, and evaporates over a short period of time (a few weeks if you’re lucky). It is a very good product; however it is a poor lubricant due to its thin film strength and it short life. So for lubricating small bushings I recommend:
A drop of oil if I lubricate often
One of the LPS products depending on severity of the service: LPS 1, LPS2, or LPS3
One of Loctite products, I like their spray lithium grease
If the bushings are not metal, make sure lubricant is compatible with the material.
What type of temperatures range are you looking at? For an outside air damper in the arctic, a heavy lubricant like spray lithium grease might be too stiff.
Graphite lock lube. Also speedo cable lube. Both available at any motorcycle shop. Will withstand water and low temp. Will also film a good sized filter bank, so don't over do the volume...
Good call steril. I didn’t think about using graphite. I have used LOCK-EZE years ago for motorcycle throttle cables; I am an old dirt biker. I would not recommend the dry power type graphite lock lube. Just a mess and it seems to blow all over. LOCK-EZE is a graphite product that is suspended in penetrating oil. It really wicks where it is needed.
On our tunnel and growing room dampers, exposed to a variety of corrosion-causing conditions, we use a product called "Fluid Film." Its a lanolin-based product, is thicker and provides more protection than WD-40, but still penetrates by capillary action and excludes water, weak acids and ammonia.
