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As the title really.
I’m in the process of changing all my frame bearings, I have some lithium grease and some general Castrol waterproof grease but I’m wondering if there’s anything more suitable?
I’ve bought decent bearings along with the proper bearing extractors and presses so don’t want to spoil the job by using the wrong grease.
Thanks.
Copperslip I use for install of headset / bb / pivot bearings. It lubricates during install, fills any micro cracks / crevices in the surface material and allows for easy removal (even when the carrier dries up the copper flakes reduce friction between bearing shell and the frame)
Grease for anything that moves... Pivots / inside bearings etc. Lithium grease (or any grease really) works fine during install but does have a tenancy to dry up and wash out (you will be amazed where water can get to)
There is alot of conflicting advice out there but general rule :
If it’s meant to move, grease (bearings etc). If it’s not meant to move, copperslip
Some manufacturers recommend nothing during bearing install... Just a good clean of the seat with acetone / rubbing alcohol and press in.
I always use PM600 on anything doesn't need to rotate (or rotate freely) - partly because it comes in a huge tube so I got loads... but also because it's pretty waterproof so you can expect it to still be there next change.
Downside is its really sticky so I wipe off excess or it holds dirt like glue ... I just changed some wheel axle adapters this morning (5mm to 9mm on the kids wheel) and pulled out the old ones out - inside was pristine... so I used a little of the spare to rub rounds the seals on the new axle adapters...
I usually put bearings in a freezer bag and leave in freezer overnight too. I’m not sure how much it helps but I figure it can’t hurt!
Timbog - yep I do that too. Plus get some heat into the pivot bearing seat with hair dryer. Freezer shrinks the od of the bearing outer race... Warmth on the pivot expands the id of the pivot bore slightly. Increases clearance of the pressfit during install which is a good thing.
I usually put bearings in a freezer bag and leave in freezer overnight too. I’m not sure how much it helps but I figure it can’t hurt!
I guess if its slightly humid it might cause condensation though if you bung some grease/copperslip on straight away it can't really get onto the steel???
Copper slip is a pretty crap anti seize, but it's available everywhere.
No need for lube or anti seize on press fit parts.
No copperslip is a great anti seize if used properly.
As I said, alot of conflicting advice out there so just try whatever you want to.
oh, this is good timing! I was just about to ask the same question.
So I have some park tool anti seize paste, sounds like that should do the job fine?
Yep the park tool stuff is OK. Not got to the bottom of what it actually is but looking at the msds (material safety data sheet) it contains :
Limestone talc aluminium and graphite
Basically all the stuff you need to reduce friction so give it a go!
People overthink this stuff too much. You can't really do any harm unless you use acid in bearings / pivots 🙂
Thanks.
In true STW fashion I’ve listened to all your advice and ordered some Park HPG-1 on the basis it’s Park, blue, mentions pivots and bearings in the description and it will be here tomorrow.
I was lucky to get the main pivot out so it’s going back in with £9 worth of grease applied.
Depends on the frame, some are greased, some are dry and some are fitted with a bearing retaining compound. Some frames use grease on some bearings and loctite on others.
Grease will lower the force required for installation and help prevent corrosion. If the interference fit is loose retaining compound can help.
I would always grease bearing insert seats. Typically, I use a thin smear of a very light lithium grease, but as it's actually inside the seats, it doesn't wash out and there's always some sign of it when the bearings next come out.
Incidentally, the only reason I do it is so that I can get the buggers out easily next time and it's very, very apparent when I'm swapping one of my bearings vs an OEM "dry fit" on as the force to extract is many times lower on one that has been lightly greased before insert. Anyone that has had a bearing come out in bits and had to cut out the outer race will very much appreciate it when they come out smoothly and easily...
You didn't mention it, but for pivot bearings I will always remove one of the race seals and pack a shit load more grease into them before fitting. They are often woefully under-greased and I've found that packing them with waterproof grease (Mobil XHP222 or similar) extends their life dramatically.