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Gunfighter MK.III Clutch Dampers feeling sticky.

Posted: Fri Aug 14, 2020 21:00
by Shallot
Hello all, My first post here.

I've recently received my Gunfighter MK.III and have been loving it so far. I have noticed a slight issue with the clutch dampers. I understand the concept is to provide a heavier feel and to mitigate stick oscillation, but I've found that when I apply even a bit of the damper, it makes the throw of my stick feel much cheaper. It feels like the damper is under lubricated, as when I use it, I find it hard to employ smooth stick movements. Instead, my stick sort of jolts forward when I try to make very small adjustments to stick deflection. Is there a safe way to lubricate the dampers, or is that not something that VKB would suggest?

Re: Gunfighter MK.III Clutch Dampers feeling sticky.

Posted: Sat Aug 15, 2020 2:25
by fallout9
Lubricating the dampers is definitely a user level operation. Just open the case, remove the PCB to expose the damping mechanism, fully release the dampers from the top screws; you could even pull the white nylon pads out by removing the small blind screw attaching them to the base. Either way, you could put some grease on the metal barrel. As usual when it comes to joysticks, best grease for that would be the Nye’s Nyogel 767a :)
Don’t forget to re-calibrate afterwards.

Re: Gunfighter MK.III Clutch Dampers feeling sticky.

Posted: Sat Aug 15, 2020 19:06
by Drano
After experimenting with the dampers for awhile I ended up loosening them completely for months before removing them altogether when I upgraded my MKI Gunfighter to a MKIII. I'm sure they're useful for some but I found no matter what I did there was always a bit of stiction. I prefer the high precision of the stick unadulterated by anything "in the way" of that. The Gunfighter is easily the most precise stick I've ever used. The gimbal is of very high quality and is butter smooth on its own. Choose a set of cams and springs that suit you and you're golden. A nice feature to have to be sure but the dampers weren't for me.