SMO98 Generic Zoom Oil Lubricant for Motor Bearings, Hinges and Moving Parts, Universal Appliance Workshop Oil

SMO98 is Zoom oil, a generic lubricating oil for appliance repair work. Keep it in the toolbox or service van for the small jobs that need a few drops of oil rather than a new part, such as a dry pivot, a squeaky hinge, or a motor bearing with an oil port. It's a workshop consumable, not tied to any appliance brand.

Where a drop of oil helps, and where it doesn't

Plenty of appliance noises come from metal parts rubbing without lubrication. A fan motor with an open sleeve bearing or oil port, a door or lid hinge, a latch pivot or a sliding mechanism can all squeak or bind as they dry out. A little oil on the right spot often quietens them and gets them moving freely again. Oil isn't a fix for everything, though. Sealed bearings, plastic gears and anything near food, belts or rubber seals generally shouldn't be oiled, and a bearing that's already worn loose needs replacing rather than lubricating.

Part details

• Generic lubricating oil, part SMO98
• Zoom oil
• For pivots, hinges and oil-port bearings
• Workshop consumable, not specific to any brand

Using Zoom oil safely

Unplug the appliance before oiling anything inside it. Wipe away old grease and dust first, then apply a few drops only, working the part back and forth to spread the oil. Wipe off any excess so it can't drip onto belts, wiring or seals or collect lint. Keep the container closed, upright and out of reach of children.

Questions about this part

Can I oil a noisy washing machine bearing?

Not usefully. Washing machine drum bearings sit behind a seal inside the tub, so oil can't reach them, and a noisy one normally calls for a bearing and seal kit. Zoom oil is meant for exposed pivots, hinges and motors with an oil port.