Does anyone know what the best lubrication is when cleaning and maintaining an atv winch? Mine was long overdue and I want to get it as waterproof and worryfree as possible before re-installing.

 

Silicone...or you can unwind the winch and use a light engine oil/grease on the cable. I spray mine a couple times a year. Just make sure the cable is dry and free of dirt/debris before you lubricate it. A power washer will save you a tremendous headache not having to unwind the entire spool.

 

thanks for the cable advice, but what i really need is the best lube for the internal gears- i.e. the planetary gear sets.--i'm assuming it's some sort of heavier grease. i'm going to use a general multi-purpose grease if nobody tells me differently or has a better suggestion-- thanks,

 

everyone has their own ideas, on my winch i disassemble spool off the drive/planetary gears,check for water, and dirt, if not any i use silicone based grease add a light coat to everything and reassemble, if there is dirt- wash in solvent or saftey clean, dry then gease it all down and reassemble with extra grease on gears after each stepp....i also use morreys oil stabilizer as a extra measure, add a thin coat all over during reassembly. it is synthetic and nearly water proof....hope this helps don't forget the bearings of the spool and the freewheel disengage