After reading several previous posts on lubricating a motors and gears that has been cleaned and “rehabbed”, I have generally been following advice to use mercon atf fluid. Should I use anything else as well, particularly on the metal worm gear on top of each wheel assembly, such as white lithium auto grease- in very small amounts, obviously
I would skip the ATF fluid. ANY fluid will migrate and make its way to your track, which attracts dust and dirt, which causes you to have to clear your track more often. I WOULD stick with LaBelle’s grease.
Forget the auto lubes (unless its Mobil 1 of course)…
There are a number of manufacturers of plastic compatible model lubes, and IMHO you need three kinds - a light oil, a heavy oil, and a grease. Labelle or Nye put out some high quality product.
One thing, a squeeze bottle of each of the oils and a tube of grease will last for an awful long time (if you use it correctly and only for model motors/gears).
Many swear by using ATF, I tend to agree w/ Marlon. Even though the “slippery” ATF may work well, too much can cause more problems as he suggests. Light oil on the motor shaft, worm/ axle bearing and Labelle 106 in the worm/ gearcase is what I’ve had success w/ for many years. I also feel that the heavier viscosity of grease will help w/ some of the loose clearances (slop) of the gears allowing for smoother operation, especially at higher speeds. This doesn’t mean to pack it in (like the packed peanut butter found on older stuff), a little goes a long way.