Bike fork and grease
02-11-19, 09:17 AM
#1
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Bike fork and grease
Is this something that should be done on a regular basis or not?
02-11-19, 09:39 AM
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Are you referring to the headset bearings? Then, yes, periodic cleaning and regreasing should be done for loose or caged balls. It's not usually needed for cartridge bearings.
02-11-19, 10:08 AM
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02-11-19, 10:54 AM
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02-11-19, 11:36 AM
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Then why are you asking about something you don't understand without saying so?
Grease is primarily used as a lubricant and the only aspect of a fork in the frame that uses lube are the headset bearings. Some headset bearings are easily accessed and can be cleaned out of old lube and replenished with new. Some less so easily.
We really need more specific info- What you are asking about, what kind of bike and related parts you have (like the brand/model of headset). What tooling or supplies you have currently. Added info like what motivates you to ask/wonder about this. What kind of use/mileage/exposure to elements (rain) the bike has seen. Are there any functional issues you think you have.
To better understand how to find this all out I suggest spending an evening looking at the Park repair manual on line and also a terminology chart for bikes and their parts. Andy
Grease is primarily used as a lubricant and the only aspect of a fork in the frame that uses lube are the headset bearings. Some headset bearings are easily accessed and can be cleaned out of old lube and replenished with new. Some less so easily.
We really need more specific info- What you are asking about, what kind of bike and related parts you have (like the brand/model of headset). What tooling or supplies you have currently. Added info like what motivates you to ask/wonder about this. What kind of use/mileage/exposure to elements (rain) the bike has seen. Are there any functional issues you think you have.
To better understand how to find this all out I suggest spending an evening looking at the Park repair manual on line and also a terminology chart for bikes and their parts. Andy
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AndrewRStewart
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02-11-19, 11:39 AM
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I think this is a troll. The OP has over 600 postings here.
02-19-19, 06:49 AM
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02-19-19, 06:50 AM
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02-19-19, 06:51 AM
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02-19-19, 06:52 AM
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02-19-19, 06:54 AM
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yes i have one but due to disability i dont read it. People are generally very helpful on forums. If i find something hard to understand then people usually lead me to a youtube video as i am visual. I am not a bike mechanic so lots to learn ...just like life
02-19-19, 07:25 AM
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People are helpful on this forum. A few have asked for more specific information and provided advice.
A fork has bearings between the steer tube and the head tube on the frame. Depending on what bike you have this may or may not need to be greased.
The wheel axle also may or may not need grease.
Sealed bearings do not need grease.
Bearings with exposed ball or roller bearings do need grease.
A fork has bearings between the steer tube and the head tube on the frame. Depending on what bike you have this may or may not need to be greased.
The wheel axle also may or may not need grease.
Sealed bearings do not need grease.
Bearings with exposed ball or roller bearings do need grease.
02-19-19, 08:42 AM
#16
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People are helpful on this forum. A few have asked for more specific information and provided advice.
A fork has bearings between the steer tube and the head tube on the frame. Depending on what bike you have this may or may not need to be greased.
The wheel axle also may or may not need grease.
Sealed bearings do not need grease.
Bearings with exposed ball or roller bearings do need grease.
A fork has bearings between the steer tube and the head tube on the frame. Depending on what bike you have this may or may not need to be greased.
The wheel axle also may or may not need grease.
Sealed bearings do not need grease.
Bearings with exposed ball or roller bearings do need grease.
02-19-19, 09:42 AM
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Here is a diagram of bike parts and their names. https://guides.wiggle.co.uk/bike-jargon-buster-guide Take a look and try to tell us where the grease is coming from (headset, hub, etc.) There are greased bearings in the headset and hub that occasionally ooze grease and usually nothing to worry about but these parts do need maintenance every so often and you'll need to learn to disassemble/assemble them. If you can post a photo of where you found the grease it would be very helpful and we can go from there.
02-19-19, 05:48 PM
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You've come to the right place, my friend. I also have a disability in that I cannot write. I used to be able to, but now I can only write here. It's like a Greek tragedy.
Speaking of Greek, the word "grease" has a Greek root, and it means something like "spread it everywhere." There is no place on a bicycle where you cannot put grease. Your suspicion that it goes on the fork is correct -- it does! Think of that as a good start. Grease the entire fork, but use some economy (another Greek word, I think) to make sure you don't run out. You'll need a lot for the saddle, top and bottom. But where you will really run through a lot of grease is on the spokes and rims. Tires take grease, too, of course, but it must be applied vigorously in a circular motion with a wire brush and then heated with a paint removal gun so that it cures properly. Some people suggest putting grease between the innertubes and the tire, to reduce friction between the rubbers as they deform, but I think the performance gains here aren't worth the hassle. Maybe if you're racing a TT (time trial) or trying to set the hour record, give it a shot. Otherwise, just save the grease for everywhere else.
Good luck! There is no such thing as a dumb question. It sounds like you're actually well on your way to being a qualified shop mechanic at the average shop.
Speaking of Greek, the word "grease" has a Greek root, and it means something like "spread it everywhere." There is no place on a bicycle where you cannot put grease. Your suspicion that it goes on the fork is correct -- it does! Think of that as a good start. Grease the entire fork, but use some economy (another Greek word, I think) to make sure you don't run out. You'll need a lot for the saddle, top and bottom. But where you will really run through a lot of grease is on the spokes and rims. Tires take grease, too, of course, but it must be applied vigorously in a circular motion with a wire brush and then heated with a paint removal gun so that it cures properly. Some people suggest putting grease between the innertubes and the tire, to reduce friction between the rubbers as they deform, but I think the performance gains here aren't worth the hassle. Maybe if you're racing a TT (time trial) or trying to set the hour record, give it a shot. Otherwise, just save the grease for everywhere else.
Good luck! There is no such thing as a dumb question. It sounds like you're actually well on your way to being a qualified shop mechanic at the average shop.
02-19-19, 07:34 PM
#20
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I bet what's going on is that you have a suspension fork on your folding ebike that's leaking a little bit of oil. When you press down on your handlebars, do they spring down under pressure a bit and come back up? Then you have a suspension fork, and it's still working fine. A little oil leakage happens. The seals age a bit, and a little oil gets by. For now, just wipe it off.
Replacing the seals on a fork can be a fairly complex job -- some shops even send it out to a fork specialist.
Replacing the seals on a fork can be a fairly complex job -- some shops even send it out to a fork specialist.
02-21-19, 09:12 AM
#21
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Here is a diagram of bike parts and their names. https://guides.wiggle.co.uk/bike-jargon-buster-guide Take a look and try to tell us where the grease is coming from (headset, hub, etc.) There are greased bearings in the headset and hub that occasionally ooze grease and usually nothing to worry about but these parts do need maintenance every so often and you'll need to learn to disassemble/assemble them. If you can post a photo of where you found the grease it would be very helpful and we can go from there.
Yep its the fork alright. Ok where the fork/s go up and down. If that makes sense? OK
OK looks different to the diagram you sent me
Last edited by rapattack; 02-21-19 at 09:14 AM. Reason: more pictures
02-21-19, 09:15 AM
#22
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02-21-19, 09:15 AM
#23
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02-21-19, 09:18 AM
#24
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I bet what's going on is that you have a suspension fork on your folding ebike that's leaking a little bit of oil. When you press down on your handlebars, do they spring down under pressure a bit and come back up? Then you have a suspension fork, and it's still working fine. A little oil leakage happens. The seals age a bit, and a little oil gets by. For now, just wipe it off.
Replacing the seals on a fork can be a fairly complex job -- some shops even send it out to a fork specialist.
Replacing the seals on a fork can be a fairly complex job -- some shops even send it out to a fork specialist.
02-21-19, 09:22 AM
#25
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That is called a suspension fork and has fluid inside. Looks like you have a leaky seal. Needs to be taken apart and new seal and suspension fluid installed. Best to find out the brand and model of your forks and look for instructional videos then decide if it's something you can do or get help from friends or a shop.
ok will look. I do go to a once a month community bike workshop thing so i should ask there too