Bicycle Mechanics - What lube inside air pump?

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tribe3
08-05-05, 05:19 PM
I just got a rebuild kit for a Blackburn AS-1 Air Stick (never thought it had so many bits inside!)
What lube should I use? I was thinking petroleum jelly but I see some graphite colored stuff inside...

sch
08-05-05, 09:06 PM
Somewhat thinner grease like lubriplate (white grease, available in 8-16oz tubs for a few bucks at hardware stores) should do. Graphite stuff may be moly disulphide, an additive. Steve
Hal Hardy
08-05-05, 09:38 PM
You might get away with redistributing the lube that's in there. It only needs a greasy film. If not, I would shy away from petroleum based lubes. I don't know how low the threshold is, but compressed oxygen + heat + petro lubes = kaBOOM. If you've ever dripped oil into a BB gun to get more oomph, you have an idea of the potential danger. Typical bicycle pressures may be safe, but pumps can generate a bit of heat. To be safe, I would check on silicon based air compressor lubes.

spider-man
08-05-05, 09:56 PM
Petroleum jelly is not recommended for certain latex products.
Raiyn
08-05-05, 11:05 PM
Petroleum jelly is not recommended for certain latex products.
I see someone listens to Loveline
Al1943
08-06-05, 11:24 AM
I see someone listens to Loveline

LOL!
tribe3
08-06-05, 09:03 PM
Thanks for the advice guys. I ended putting some Prolink chain lube... I guess the O-rings should be able to take it.

I want to give a thums-up to Blackburn's customer service! I Emailed them asking if I could buy a repair kit for my pump and I received 2 mails back; One asking for my address to send me a free kit and a second mail from another representative saying they didn't have a kit but would be pleased to send me a new pump if I returned the old one. By the time I got the second mail I had already received the kit and fixed it so no need for a new pump.

Pablo