Light oil.

Please keep wd-40 away from pinball machines.

LTG : )™

I put a little bit of wax on the rod !

After oil, I would consider replacing the shooter housing or, better yet, the two Oilite bearings. I haven't had much success getting the bearings back in after removal, but it's not that expensive to put a new shooter housing on.

I have two Stern games, both of which were routed, and both needed new many new shooter parts due to binding action -- except the inside spring, which is probably fine.

[edit: I have oiled the shaft on these, but I have yet to have it help much.]

No, don't ever put any oil on it (that's the whole idea of the Oilite bearing, graphite is permanently impregnated into the bronze). Oil will mess it up.

Near the rubber tip there is an E-clip, remove it (and the rubber tip) and the whole rod will slide out.

Roll the rod on the edge of a flat table and see if it is bent. If you can't bend it back, replace it.

Look for any gouges or damage to the rod.

If it all looks good, put a coat of PASTE auto wax on it. Wax won't attract dust or make your hands black like graphite .

While the wax is drying, wash and dry the springs.

Reassemble and give it a few pulls.

If it binds or squeaks still, replace the 2 Oilite bearings - they are a standard hardware store item (3/8" ID Flanged Oillite Bushing)

OILITE-FLANGE.jpg

I have had good luck with Teflon Lube, you don't need to put much on. I just pull the shooter out as far as it will go and then wipe the shaft with a rag with a little of the Teflon Lube on it. Just a light film. Works fine for me most of the time but sometimes you do need to get a new one if it's bent or metal too worn somewhere.

Lube your shaft if you need to!

Tom

True this

No oil, try graphite.

Rod

Try reaming out the bushings with a bottle brush or even a rolled rag.

See if some crap is hung up between them.

Sight through them and see if one has been knocked out of alignment with the other.

I have had no problems with two or three drops of sewing machine oil on the shooter rod. I made sure there was nothing underneath that could be damaged by dripping oil first.

Oil attracts dirt.

The whole idea of an Oilite bushing/bearing is that it does not require lubrication that could creep through out the game.

Oil can microscopically spray onto the shooter lane and then everywhere the ball travels, attracting abrasive dust.

You're right as always vid, but I planned on doing full restos to my games, so this is just my way of making sanding to bare wood more fun.

If they are tight, tap the first one out with a small hammer and dowel. Move in a circle, a little at a time so you don't bind it.

The second one obviously you can just easily knock straight out.

leave everything in place, don't disassemble. I use Mills wax and give a good going over on shaft and spring and pulling the rod all the way out and do that to the front side too.
Leave and wipe off residue.
Voila, no squeak and silky smooth action. Your welcome.

Silicone spray (Walmart or whatever ) works well and does not attract dirt. Spray on paper towel, then wipe on shooter.