scooterfrog

when people grease their wheels or bb or headset what is used?

i am assuming that it is something that needs to be greased on assembly or rebuild (like loose balls)

what about threads for assembly of things that we don't want to move. (pedal to crank) or bottle cages

not looking to talk about chain lube that seems like a bigger topic that I care to open up now.

FBinNY 

The grease debate isn't anywhere as spirited as the chain lube debate, but there's plenty here if you do a cursory search.

Generally just about anything is OK, but you want something sticky to keep loose balls in place while reassembling bearings, stiff enough not to melt and spin out in summer heat, yet soft enough to minimize viscous drag.

If you ride all season, marine grade greases are usually more water resistant/repellant (nothing is waterproof).

Personally, I'm still partial tom whitish lithium based greases, mainly because I can use color change as an indicator of possible problems, but other than that the field is wide open/

DieselDan

I use marine grade bearing grease, as I am on the coast. The Park bicycle grease oxidizes too fast for my liking.

scooterfrog

ok Thanks.. I was thinking about white lithium grease

CACycling

I used to use white lithium but switched to marine grease. The white lithium worked fine but, being thinner than the marine grease, didn't stay in place quite as well. Plus I buy marine grease by the tub to service my trailer's axles so have it around anyway.

Bill Kapaun

Any automotive wheel bearing type grease will be fine.
My "current" tub is boat trailer wheel bearing grease.
I might try a tub of synthetic when I run out in a few years.

I think servicing the bearings on a regular basis is far more important than the grease used.
You can inspect bearings/cones for the start of minor pitting etc. BEFORE it ruins a hub.

The other things you mentioned shouldn't move if somewhat properly torqued.

fietsbob

adding a small bit of grease makes things tighten smoothly
and not corrode in place, as soon as dry fitting..

But factories don't tend to grease bolts , as that takes extra time..
and bins full of pre greased bolts is too messy.

so there is that ..

Asi

In automotive part, threads on bolts are not greased, but they have a paste on them (Loctite stuff). Not messy at all and it's color coded. As well that paste helps removal of seized bolts by heating the bolt with a heatgun and the paste melts and loosens the bolt.

A good practice that so far i've seen in aircraft, automotive, motorcycles etc, but not for bikes (yet).

Personally i use yellow lithium grease for automotive wheel bearings (i have it on hand at any time), and for threads if i have it on hand i apply blue* loctite paste (if not, the above grease will do just fine)

*Blue is for non permanent assembly like most bolts on a car. Red is for semi-permanent assembly. And other colors, check Locrite's website if you're intersted. But don't bother to buy such paste just for a few bolts found on a bike unless you work with more advanced mechanical stuff like a car/truck/motorcycle where in some areas may be almost mandatory.

ben4345

Blue threadlocker is good stuff, but should it be used on aluminum parts? I know it should not be used on plastic.

Asi

IDK about aluminum on bikes but definitely is very good with transmission covers, engine blocks, distribution covers, all sorts of mounting brackets on the engine block (alternators, pumps etc) - all made out of aluminium alloy.

https://www.loctiteproducts.com/p/10/...r-Blue-242.htm

ben4345

I have two 4 oz bottles of that stuff in my tool box. (yes, loctite brand)

scooterfrog

I have a stick of blue left over from when I put NW storms and advice on my race car bmw

JanMM

Commonly used with aluminum. For instance, on the screws that secure a brake rotor to an aluminum hub.

vins0010

Back to the grease. I usually use Park's in my bottom bracket or headset. I've used both on threads and Park's on seatposts and old quill stems. I've also used a teflon based grease for all the above purposes. Both have been fine as I'm sure most automotive or marine bearing greases would be. One thing I learned in my cursory research on the subject is that different greases can have different bases that are not compatible with one another. So, when switching grease, I make extra sure to clean it all out.

Abe Froman

Been mentioned a hundred times but I vote for marine wheel bearing grease. Love the stuff. I also use Park Polylube 1000. Basically whichever I have handy at the moment.

3alarmer 

This is one of the calmest and most boring lubrication threads
I've ever seen here....................

Where's the fire, the controversy, the incredible commitment to
"my way or the highway" ?..............................

gforeman 

In the motorcycle world, I used Mobil 1 Synthetic grease. I was having a problem with a noisy BB on my Madone. I had my LBS order me a new BB, but in the mean time, I had them repack it for a 2nd time with the Mobil 1 grease. Now I have new BB bearings just sitting on my shelf. The stuff is incredible. My LBS liked it so much I purchased them a tub since they do a lot of things for me no charge.

The problem I have with white lithium, is it seems I can easily wipe it off, and I have even had it cake on me in certain instances (not bikes).

I told the LBS, any time they do anything on my bike, PLEASE use the Mobil 1 stiff.

PS, a tub was $10 at Pep-Boys.

GrandaddyBiker

+1 on the Mobil 1 synthetic. You can call me nuts if you want to but when my bike was new (only a week old) I completely dissembled it and repacked every bearing in that bike with Mobil 1 synthetic. I even took the freewheel apart and greased it with Mobil 1. I know they tell you not to do that with a freewheel because it may make the paws stick. However, I have done that to every bike I own and have never had a problem.

Mobil 1 oil is in all my vehicles (even the Lawn mower) and Mobil 1 grease is in 3 of my 5 bikes.

Bike Gremlin

For bolts to prevent seizure, but not allow them to come off by themselves, copper grease is good and cheap. Lithium soap based grease for bearings etc. Works nice. Loctite - not much of a fan. Only if a bolt came getting undone would I use it. Even the blue one.

Doohickie

Same philosophy here. I have a tub of Coastal Moly EP molybdenum disulfide grease that has lasted me years; I think I paid about $3 for a one-pound tub. Works fine.

wroomwroomoops

The most experienced and knowledgeable bike mechanic I've ever met, uses simple vaseline for bearings.

Personally I use a gray lithium-based grease and so far, it served me well.

wroomwroomoops

I repacked once a freewheel with my lithium-based grease, but I did damn sure none ended on the pawls.

rogerstg

You need to get out more and meet more people.

wroomwroomoops

I think my wife disagrees.

I think.

Esteban32696

Here in Florida's rough climate , I use a good marine grease & am pleased .