Bicycle Mechanics - What Oil or Grease to use on Floorpump Bellows?

I remember reading somewhere a long time ago about unscrewing the top of some floorpumps that has screw-on lids, and using oil or grease, I do not remember which, on the piston and seals. My wife has a Wrenchforce floorpump that she bought many years ago, and I think it can use some oiling on the seals. My main concern is making sure that the oil or grease does not destroy the soft rubber or leather seals, hence my aim in making sure to use the right type of oil or grease.

Can you good people please suggest what oil or grease to use in lubricating the piston and seals, so that the pump can function optimally?

Thanks for all responses.

Regards,

None. What you read a long time ago applied to pumps made a long time ago.

None. What you read a long time ago applied to pumps made a long time ago.

I think those old pumps used a piece of leather for the seal, which used to dry out, get stiff, and not make a good seal with the inside of the pump tube. Oiling the leather softened it up again.

Old pumps like my four year old Silca which is still going strong.

I oiled a frame pump with too much stiction and it promptly stopped working. It was branded Giant, I have no idea who actually made it. Metal body with an air gauge near the head.

I have actually used some Lubrimatic Marine grease on the Wrenchforce pump, and the pump is okay for now. I hope things stay that way.

Regards,

Use silicone grease. Normal greases might destroy the rubber.

Use silicone grease. Normal greases might destroy the rubber.

Whoops. I used marine grease when rebuilding my Specialized Air Tool pump. It got some dirt in it, and every stroke was really gritty feeling. Hmm. Rebuild kit is only $2.99, I think I can risk it.

Anyone have any definate answer on the effects of marine grease on rubber?

Whoops. I used marine grease when rebuilding my Specialized Air Tool pump. It got some dirt in it, and every stroke was really gritty feeling. Hmm. Rebuild kit is only $2.99, I think I can risk it.

Anyone have any definate answer on the effects of marine grease on rubber?

I think it depends on the type of rubber. For example, nitrile (http://tinyurl.com/kvges) is supposed to be resistant to long-term exposure to petroleum-based greases and oils, but other types, like neoprene aren't as good. Either way, you probably won't destroy any rubber parts if you've only had the grease in for a short time, so it's worth a try to just clean everything and relube with silicone grease, unless the manufacturer specifically says petroleum greases are ok.

I manufacture industrial pneumatic cylinders. Our spec lube is a greese that contain Teflon. Trade name for one type is Carlton-Stuart Corp. Mangnalube-G. To be honest with you I could have sworn that the stuff was Phil's when I assembled cylinders during training. Looks, feels, acts, and smells like Phil's. Can't find what Phil's is made from, but I'm guessing they're the same.

If it works to lube industrial pneumatic cylinders lipseals then it'll work in a bike pump - Phil's.