Originally Posted by
samkl
Not to revive the greased spindle controversy or anything, but the Shimano UN-55 BB I got in the mail recently arrived with the spindles already covered in a thin film of grease. Don't know what to make of that.
That is purely for rust prevention. You don't want to start out with a rusty taper.
I don't think it's the end of the world if someone installs a crankarm on a slightly oiled taper. But grease or anti-seize just isn't the tool for the job. IMPO