RockiesDad

I've been lubricating my chain regularly but was wondering what else needs to be lubed periodically? I don't think hubs or crank bearings ever need lube. So maybe the that just leaves the derailler pivot points and rollers? Anything else or nothing needs lubing ever? Just wondering...

Koyote

With this thread title, I won't be surprised if it's locked down in a few hours.

I use lube very sparingly on brake and derailleur pivot points, as it will attract dust and dirt. Really, aside from lubing the chain, you don't need much lube. Assuming cartridge bearings (hubs, bottom bracket, headset), you don't even need much grease either. At least that's what I do, and it's working so far. More experienced people may have different practices.

cxwrench

Depends on what kind of stuff you have on your bike and the conditions you ride in. Chain, obviously. If you have cartridge bearing bb and hubs the bearings will need replacement every now and then. I never really bother with servicing them. Loose ball hubs definitely need service every now and then. Derailleur pivots? I keep my bikes really clean so they don't need it very often but a few drops of oil won't hurt. Headsets last ages if properly adjusted but the bearings need to be taken out, cleaned and greased...how often depends on you again. I never lube cables/housing, I just replace.

And of course this should not be in GD, it should be in the proper section which is obviously 'bicycle mechanics'. Come on people, stop dumping every thread you start in GD.

mtnbud

Many bottom brackets are the cassette type and can not be overhauled, but I believe most hubs and headsets can be cleaned then greased. (This doesn't need to be done very often.) Derailleur pulleys can be greased also. Why not post your question in Bicycle Mechanics and phrase it - which parts should be lubed and how often.

Another thing to check for is chain stretch. Chains should be replaced after they reach a certain point, or you'll wear our your gears.

freeranger

Anything that moves against another part needs lubrication. What type of lube and how often is the question. In general, parts open to the elements (such as chains) need cleaned and lubed more often. Those type of parts would use a thinner lube (not grease), such as lube specifically designed for a chain, or a lube such as Tri-Flow, or maybe oil. Parts not "open" to the elements (but not sealed), headset as example, need cleaning less often and use a thicker lube, usually grease. "Sealed" parts, ex: sealed bearings, bottom brackets, are designed to be replaced if worn and are generally not able to be, or may need disassembled, to be lubed-with grease. This is not "etched in stone", only meant as a general guide.

PeteHski

Not necessarily. For example a lot of plain bushes are specifically designed to run dry.

epnnf

do you mean 'bushings'?

PeteHski

Yes, we call them bushes in the UK. Same thing.

indyfabz

Family forum, pal! Reported!

PeteHski

UK engineering terminology was invented by a bunch of perverts for sure! e.g.

Flange -Gusset -Penetration -Lubrication failure -Ring Expander -Shaft (especially when combined with Thrust) -Orifice gauge

Reference: https://www.physicsforums.com/thread...-saying.62591/

Koyote

potd.

fooferdoggie 

like I have wondered on the pivot point on my hydraulic levers? they are shimano deore what about the shifters xt?

indyfabz

I literally have tears in my eyes.

seypat

Lowest hanging fruit I've seen in a while.

cxwrench

They don't need it unless they feel really draggy. You lubricate them you'll end up with more dirt sticking to them. Counter productive.

Toadmeister

This should be a “wrong answers only” thread!

Ghazmh

The ziplock looking zipper on Ortlieb Velo Shopper panniers. It needs a periodic application of zipper grease.

rsbob 

Stopped by to see how far off the rails this thread went and am glad to see, from a strictly engineering standpoint, I am not disappointed.

Pratt

Your crotch, especially on longer rides.

MAK

A dash of lube on clipless pedals is a good idea every once in a while.

Bald Paul

Especially if you're riding to one of the many escort services being offered on the forum lately.

Pratt

On a tandem?

seypat

It depends on what brand of chain lube you use. Better go check in one of the chain lube threads.

Reflector Guy

Should I oil my bell, or is it best left dry?

GhostRider62

I find my pedal bearings need serviced a couple times per year. Headset never. I just replace hub and BB cartridges although sometimes clean and lube. I put duck fat under the Brooks B17 onto the leather. I clean the jockey bearings a couple times per year. The cassette freehub needs disassembled and lubed a couple times per year or bearings binned. The Garmin cable port gets dielectric grease a couple times per year.