Spray-on cleaner for shifters
#1
Spray-on cleaner for shifters
I'm replacing my Shimano Ultegra rubber brake hoods, and prior to their arrival: While I have them off, (planning on leaving the shifters in place on the handlebars), with the shifter mechanism exposed, is there a once-and-done cleaner that will work to get any grime off of them, and lubricate at the same time? I've seen recommendations for WD-40 then a soak in mineral oil - for when you have them pulled and are able to place them in a small receptacle - I just do not plan on getting that involved with them.
#2
climber has-been
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Posts: 7,510
Bikes: Scott Addict R1, Felt Z1
Liked 4,058 Times
in
1,999 Posts
I just turn the bike upside down and spray ample amounts of WD-40 into the mechanism, working the shifter up and down the gears several times.
After everything dries completely, I might put a couple drops of oil on the moving parts. Or not. Those shifters don't seem to need much lubrication.
After everything dries completely, I might put a couple drops of oil on the moving parts. Or not. Those shifters don't seem to need much lubrication.
Likes For terrymorse:
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,829
Bikes: too many sparkly Italians, some sweet Americans and a couple interesting Japanese
Liked 676 Times
in
463 Posts
No need to pull, search on YouTube for "shimano STI shifter" and dozens of how to video's come up, many from quality shops doing it slightly differently and they all work.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,653
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Liked 3,680 Times
in
2,381 Posts
whatever vids I've seen, the presenter sprays w/ WD40
#5
Senior Member
WD40 can be had with silicone. https://www.amazon.com/WD-40-Special...00&sr=8-2&th=1
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 7,212
Bikes: Trek CheckPoint SL7 AXS, Trek Emonda ALR AXS, Trek FX 5 Sport
Liked 2,049 Times
in
1,160 Posts
I would look at using a brake cleaner, will leave no residue and dries pretty quickly, then you can drop a couple of drops of lubricant on the moving parts. I hate the residue that WD-40 leaves behind.
#7
Newbie
I sprayed my “creaky” bottom bracket and it went away after my LBS says that there was nothing wrong with my BB.
They sell the Lucas stuff in Oreillys, depending where you live.
#8
your god hates me
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,630
Bikes: 2016 Richard Sachs, 2010 Carl Strong, 2006 Cannondale Synapse
Liked 1,458 Times
in
787 Posts
WD40 can be had with silicone. https://www.amazon.com/WD-40-Special...00&sr=8-2&th=1
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2022
Location: USA - Southwest PA
Posts: 3,895
Bikes: Cannondale - Gary Fisher - Giant - Litespeed - Schwinn Paramount - Schwinn (lugged steel) - Trek OCLV
Liked 2,707 Times
in
1,457 Posts
I just turn the bike upside down and spray ample amounts of WD-40 into the mechanism, working the shifter up and down the gears several times.
After everything dries completely, I might put a couple drops of oil on the moving parts. Or not. Those shifters don't seem to need much lubrication.
After everything dries completely, I might put a couple drops of oil on the moving parts. Or not. Those shifters don't seem to need much lubrication.
we have a number of bikes with Shimano Rapidfire and Dual Control shifters that sat for years untouched - many for decades - WD-40 was the fix for all
we keep multiple cans of WD-40 in a few different locations around our house - that stuff is versatile
you know you are old when you can recall when WD-40 first began to appear