Any suggestions for how to test cars for lube?
I belong to a club that doesn't allow any type of lubricant. We have in the past periodically looked at the wheels on winning cars to see if they have been lubricated. We run about 10 or so different classes and will be making a point to try thoroughly checking the wheels on the top 3 finishers as well as maybe 2 random cars, hoping to eliminate the possibility of someone bending the rules. Does anyone have any tips on how to go about checking the wheels and axles, for say graphite?
We've tried Q-tips, very bright light, magnify glass, compressed air, and who knows what else.
We have had a few instances in the past and there is a penalty for it if you're caught. It's just not tolerated. So if anyone has any suggestions please let me know. Thank you!
Discussion
Is there a reason why a dry lube would not be allowed? I understand following rules. Maybe the cars need to be brought sealed for a race, then opened to ensure nothing has been done to them.
Yeah, 4 years, but... Slot a piece of paper between a wheel's inner hub and the chassis. Press the wheel against the chassis and rotate a little with the paper sandwiched in. It'll usually pick up some of whatever is in there, be it dust, or oil.
- Some sort of blotter paper should easily pick up any liquids — redlinederby
- you will probably never detect the silicon, as blueline said, if they have run the car a bunch, — dr_dodge
- seems pertinent with the current rules discussion — dr_dodge
- Seems like my siliconed cars are great at picking up dust and debris, which show well as a sort of cloudy booger when tested with a piece of paper. Not to mentioned how nicely fine hairs and lint get wrapped around the axles on occasion. The silicone really shows when you pull those hairs and lint off. — X2Whiskey
It can be very difficult to detect if someone ran the car over and over and cleaned up the outside which is why most races allow it. The only way to be sure is to open the car. No matter how well the car has been cleaned up if it has ever received a proper dusting you'll see evidence of it inside.