Lube for Creaking Seat Post
07-01-18, 06:51 PM
#1
Lube for Creaking Seat Post
Hey Gang,
I’ve searched the forum, but could not find this specific question addressed.
A friend recently let me start riding his aluminum 2007 Cervelo Soloist since he has moved abroad.
The seat post creaks a lot. I’m pretty sure that’s the source of the creak, since the bike is dead silent the instant I stand up while coasting or pedaling.
I’m assuming it needs lube or grease. The LBS recommended Tri-Flow Superior Lubricant for bolts, so I have a bottle at home.
Right now I’m at a tech startup with zero income, so every dollar counts. Would the Tri-Flow be good to use for the seat post? Or should I buy something else?
Many thanks for any advice you might be able to share!
I’ve searched the forum, but could not find this specific question addressed.
A friend recently let me start riding his aluminum 2007 Cervelo Soloist since he has moved abroad.
The seat post creaks a lot. I’m pretty sure that’s the source of the creak, since the bike is dead silent the instant I stand up while coasting or pedaling.
I’m assuming it needs lube or grease. The LBS recommended Tri-Flow Superior Lubricant for bolts, so I have a bottle at home.
Right now I’m at a tech startup with zero income, so every dollar counts. Would the Tri-Flow be good to use for the seat post? Or should I buy something else?
Many thanks for any advice you might be able to share!
07-01-18, 07:29 PM
#2
- Soli Deo Gloria -
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Location: Northwest Georgia
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The first step is to make sure the seatpost clamp and saddle rail clamp bolts are properly tightened. For carbon parts that means looking up the torque spec and using a torque wrench.
If you don't have a torque wrench then you are going to have to find someone with one. If you don't have a friend or a coworker with one then you are going to have to pay a shop. The specs can be looked up online.
The correct product for assembling carbon parts is carbon assembly paste. I hesitate to call it lube. Lubrication isn't the purpose of assembly paste but preventing parts from slipping.
Tri flow isn't the best product for bolts. A high quality grease would be better. Some parts manufacturers recommend no grease on things like saddle rail clamp bolts. Hopefully the installation instructions for these parts is available and you can find out what the manufacturer recommends.
Again, the first step is to make sure the bolts are properly tightened. Do this before you spend any money on lubricants or assembly paste.
-Tim-
If you don't have a torque wrench then you are going to have to find someone with one. If you don't have a friend or a coworker with one then you are going to have to pay a shop. The specs can be looked up online.
The correct product for assembling carbon parts is carbon assembly paste. I hesitate to call it lube. Lubrication isn't the purpose of assembly paste but preventing parts from slipping.
Tri flow isn't the best product for bolts. A high quality grease would be better. Some parts manufacturers recommend no grease on things like saddle rail clamp bolts. Hopefully the installation instructions for these parts is available and you can find out what the manufacturer recommends.
Again, the first step is to make sure the bolts are properly tightened. Do this before you spend any money on lubricants or assembly paste.
-Tim-
07-01-18, 07:36 PM
#3
Non omnino gravis
The bikes here with metal posts have Permatex copper anti-seize. Under $5 at any autoparts store.
The bikes here with carbon posts have carbon assembly paste. The Finish Line stuff, I like it because it's clear. $7-8 a tube, will last... forever. You might be able to ask at your LBS and get a single-use tube of carbon paste for free. They get them in big boxes.
The bikes here with carbon posts have carbon assembly paste. The Finish Line stuff, I like it because it's clear. $7-8 a tube, will last... forever. You might be able to ask at your LBS and get a single-use tube of carbon paste for free. They get them in big boxes.
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07-01-18, 07:41 PM
#4
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You can use vaseline on seatposts and bolts and such. Any kind of cheap grease will work for those jobs. Save the tri-flow for your chain.
But it might be your saddle, not the post, that's squeaking.
But it might be your saddle, not the post, that's squeaking.
07-01-18, 07:55 PM
#6
Great advice all around Tim, thanks.
So the bike is aluminum—does this model bike have a carbon seat post even if the frame is aluminum?
Either way, sounds like I need to take it to the shop. Thanks again!
So the bike is aluminum—does this model bike have a carbon seat post even if the frame is aluminum?
Either way, sounds like I need to take it to the shop. Thanks again!
07-01-18, 08:01 PM
#7
- Soli Deo Gloria -
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The only way to know what the seat post is made of is to look at the seat post. An aluminum frame can have any kind of seat post.
If the saetoost is carbon carbon then use assembly paste. If the seat post is aluminum then use grease.
the first step however, is to make sure the bolts are properly tightened.
If the saetoost is carbon carbon then use assembly paste. If the seat post is aluminum then use grease.
the first step however, is to make sure the bolts are properly tightened.
07-01-18, 08:07 PM
#9
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Before you start to take apart various clamps and such do document the saddle's position. This to get back to where it was after cleaning and lubing whatever bits you do do. Andy
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AndrewRStewart
AndrewRStewart
07-02-18, 02:08 PM
#10
I just went thru this process .
At first thought it was saddle or rail clamps.
Then post clamp bolt tightness.
Then I removed post with saddle and added a thin layer of grease to full length of post from clamp and below.
Installed and tightened bolts( double height clamp).
Been creak free for 3 weeks.
Frame is Ti and post is Al
At first thought it was saddle or rail clamps.
Then post clamp bolt tightness.
Then I removed post with saddle and added a thin layer of grease to full length of post from clamp and below.
Installed and tightened bolts( double height clamp).
Been creak free for 3 weeks.
Frame is Ti and post is Al
