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2018From a Facebook group: The Steadicam Group

Cleaning a GPI PRO Titan Arm after exposure to sweat and salt water: procedure, materials, and risks

DisputedParticipants disagreed and reached no conclusion. Read the findings as positions, not as an answer.

What the thread found

  • One operator reported a procedure discussed with the manufacturer: remove the spring canister and canister bolt, flush the chassis with water, clean with shampoo and soft sponge, rinse, dry thoroughly, use compressed air to remove water from bearings and gaps, and dry immediately.
  • Do not use dish detergent because it contains salt; shampoo is preferred.
  • Use destilled water for rinsing to reduce rust risk; store afterwards with fresh desiccant packets to control moisture.
  • Exercise caution with compressed air: it can force moisture past bearing seals; this risk must be weighed against the need to dry the arm quickly.
  • The chassis is made from anodized 7075 aluminium and does not rust; bearings are sealed; fasteners are stainless steel but can show surface rust if deeply scratched.
  • After cleaning, apply white lithium grease to the canister bolt receptacles.
  • Some operators are skeptical of washing the arm and prefer to clean it only infrequently; an arm cover is mentioned as protective measure.

Depends on

  • Effectiveness depends on how thoroughly water and salt residue can be removed without forcing moisture into sealed bearings.
  • Risk assessment varies among operators based on rig history and local climate.
  • The procedure assumes sealed bearings; bearing condition affects the risk of water ingress.

Gear in this thread

G-70catalog

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Original thread on Facebook (group members only)Ask about this threadThe answer cites the archive