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penetrating oil
WD40 is the best known representative of the creep oils. Brunox Turbo Spray, Motorex Joker or other penetrating oils work on the same principle. A high proportion of solvents and the capillary effect allow the oil to creep into the smallest gaps. It not only displaces water, but also dissolves dirt and light rust deposits. In this way, it makes stiff component connections smooth again. Problem: Due to its thin consistency, the lubricating effect does not last long. In addition, its solvents can attack existing grease.
Fat
Grease primarily reduces friction between moving components. For example, it ensures that balls inside an industrial bearing run smoothly or lubricates the rotational movements of the headset, rear triangle or bottom bracket. It also seals connections and prevents dirt and moisture from penetrating moving components thanks to its hydrophobic properties (grease repels water). This protects against corrosion, increases the service life and ensures smooth running in everything that turns or slides.
Carbon paste
A small tub of carbon paste is included with many carbon parts. Tiny abrasive particles in the paste increase friction in clamps (e.g. between brake lever and handlebars or between seat post and frame). Sensitive carbon add-on parts therefore require less tightening torque. They can be mounted more gently. Components that are constantly in motion must never be fitted with carbon paste. The abrasives would damage the material.
Assembly paste
One Assembly paste facilitates the assembly of press and screw connections, but does not permanently lubricate moving parts. Some assembly pastes are even completely grease-free. Because they prevent corrosion, seal gaps and do not attack surfaces in the long term, they are used where components are in permanent contact. Typical applications include pressed-in bearing shells, saddle clamps or the contact surface between the frame and derailleur hanger.
Copper paste
The so-called copper paste is a high-temperature lubricant and a genuine relic from the days of steam engines. Its extreme heat resistance has made it a popular lubricant in the automotive sector, for example on brake components. There is no connection on a bicycle that requires the use of copper paste due to its heat development. When used on brakes, the risk of contaminating the brake pads is too high. This makes them unusable and they have to be replaced.
Interview: "Even new grease doesn't help with bearing damage."
BIKE: Does it make sense to remove the sealing lip of an industrial bearing and press additional grease into the industrial bearing?
Dennis Braun: High-quality industrial bearings are filled by the manufacturer with the right amount of grease for the corresponding area of application. There is a high risk of damaging the sealing lip when removing the grease. If the running surfaces of the bearings have run in, no amount of grease will help. It would be better to fit a new bearing.
How do you recognise the quality of an industrial warehouse?
It makes sense to test the smooth running of a new bearing. However, this does not allow any conclusions to be drawn about the quality. A high-quality headset bearing, for example, rotates with relative difficulty due to firmer grease and a strong seal. It is almost impossible for a layman to judge the quality.
What should you never do with industrial bearings?
Steam jet! No seal can withstand the high pressure. Once water has penetrated the bearing, it flushes out the grease. This reduces the service life accordingly. The combination with cleaning agents is particularly dangerous for the bearings as they have a grease-dissolving effect.
How can the service life of bearings be increased?
The setting of the headset is important. If the preload on the bearings is too high, they will wear out more quickly. If it is too low, the headset has play and is exposed to shock loads. Occasional cleaning and external application of grease increase the service life.
