What is the purpose of greasing BB threads?

Asked by: Cornelius Pawlikowski

With the threads now clean and sharp the next step is to prepare them with a layer of good quality grease. The grease will enable a smooth fit between the cups and the frame, the grease will also reduce the chance of corrosion developing between the materials in the bottom bracket shell and those in the cups.

When should I grease my bottom bracket?

Around the three month mark is normally enough time, even in the best conditions for dirt to work its way into the small gaps and contact points around the crankset and bottom bracket area. In the summer in SoCal, I probably do it more like every four weeks of solid riding on a bike.

How do you grease a bottom bracket thread?

Quote from video: And grease up the threads of the bottom rackets on the frame. So get a nice layer in there there's really not too much you can put on it's just gonna push itself out obviously don't waste grease.

Should you grease a square taper bottom bracket?

The logic behind not greasing a square taper spindle comes from the fact that it is an interference fit. Grease would make is easier for the crank to slide down the taper, and there is risk of it sliding down too far and widening the square hole in the crank arm.

Should I grease my steerer tube?

Greasing an aluminum steerer isn’t normally necessary, but can be helpful because it’s possible for the aluminum to corrode in some situations. A thin coat of grease prevents this.

Do you grease bottom bracket threads?

In the case of the bottom bracket, you will use the grease when you install it, whether it is threaded, press fit or similar, and in the same way when you install or clean the cranks. The point of contact of the cranks with the bottom bracket should be greased too.

What causes a creaking bottom bracket?

As the crank arms are rotating, the bottom bracket will make a dry creaky noise, and is usually caused by axle oscillation around dry bearings, where the grease inside has been washed out of the many contact points,” he says.

How do I stop my bottom bracket from creaking?

Clean thoroughly, then re-grease the threads on the frame and bottom bracket. For stubborn cartridge bottom bracket squeaks, use Teflon tape on the threads. Then, reinstall, putting a drop of Green Loctite on the threads. For titanium frames, use Finish Line Ti-Prep Anti-Seize Assembly Lubricant on the threads.

Why is my bottom bracket loose?

An open/loose BB will need its bearings adjusting (via the adjusting cup) or replacing. If you diagnose a loose BB in any other type of unit, such as BB30/90s and outboard bearing units, the first thing to check is the attachment system of the cranks and/or BB spindle.

How long do bottom bracket bearings last?

As for a bottom bracket, on the low end, maybe 5000 miles. The basic Shimano one most people use (UN51/55/similar) can reasonably expect 10k+ miles. But sometimes you get unlucky and get a bottom bracket that lasts maybe 500 miles.

Do you grease square taper cranks?

In my experience, it is exactly right that square taper cranks squirm on the taper. It is also exactly right that if you grease the taper from the beginning, torque the crank bolts properly, and leave them alone, it will be fine. I’ve been doing this on my own bikes for about 17 years now with zero issues ever.

Should I grease crank bearings?

It is likely, unless your bicycle is quite old, that it has sealed bearings in the crankset, so there is no real need to grease them yourself.

Should you grease crank arm bolts?

With or without lubricant, in use, cranks will make metal-to-metal contact with the spindle, causing fretting erosion of the steel spindle for all but the lightest riders. Lubricating the spindle for assembly assures a predictable press fit for a given torque.

Should I grease threads?

Quote from video: But I'm happy to offer some general guidelines mechanics often use grease on both threads to protect the threads. Inside a component while also preventing bolts from ceasing to the component.

What parts of my bike should I grease?

Bottom Bracket Maintenance – How to Remove, Install & Re …

How do you grease a bottom bracket without removing it?

Two suggestions:

1. Do the “leaving the bike lying on a side” thing and use motor oil. It’s much better than WD-40 but not as good as grease.
2. I have a can of spray lithium grease. It’s thicker than oil and you might be able to spray something like that into the bottom bracket between the axle and the cup.

Should I grease crank bearings?

It is likely, unless your bicycle is quite old, that it has sealed bearings in the crankset, so there is no real need to grease them yourself.

Should I grease crank bolts?

With or without lubricant, in use, cranks will make metal-to-metal contact with the spindle, causing fretting erosion of the steel spindle for all but the lightest riders. Lubricating the spindle for assembly assures a predictable press fit for a given torque.

Can you use WD-40 bottom bracket?

WD-40 is a penetrating oil. It will happily creep past the seals of the bottom bracket and thin out the grease lubricating your bottom bracket bearings.

Should you oil bike bearings?

Grease is essential for bikes. Without it, bearings run roughly and wear rapidly. Without grease, water causes parts to seize.

Is it OK to use WD-40 on bike chain?

WD-40 is a great bike chain lube water based lubricant and will not only lubricate the chain well, but will also keep it rust and corrosion free.