Originally Posted by
pdedes
Also, lubrication of bolt threads can decrease the torque requirement from spec. Torque specs are usually for dry threads.
Actually, I didn't say anything about lubrication of bolt threads...just light coating of grease on the spline. I however always add a small degree of grease on bike threads including crank fasteners. And quite right, this does bias the torque spec..this debate in fact rages on many forums about this very dynamic...in particular, maginitude of influence.
I will tell you what I believe to be most problematic which it comes to adding grease or anti seize to cranks. Older square taper Campy cranks were 'extremely' sensitive to adding grease to the square taper. This would not only affect the center bolt torque spec, but how far the spider or non drive side arm would draw onto the spindle. To me, this was a fundamental weakness of square taper. Another volatile debate pertained to whether to add grease or not to the square taper...a matter of philosophy. Many who didn't, ended up with creaky cranks.