Originally Posted by
Bad Lag
Well, I never new cleaning a freewheel was quite so controversial....
Perhaps, I will disassemble, clean and grease one of my unused freewheels. I haven't done that in a long, long time. I have all the tools needed.
For lube, have quite a selection of greases, including a large tub of waterproof grease that looks and feels just like Phil grease. Lithium grease was suggested, I have some of that, too.
Good for you!
I almost exclusively use Super Lube synthetic grease. It has the widest temperature range and is extremely resistant to water and salt contamination. I've worked on a significant number of freewheels which were ridden in coastal areas and they suffer significantly from internal moisture and salt contamination. No amount of
"flush and dribble" will properly service one.
For instance this DuraAce 6 speed from Long Island (IIRC), which is equipped with extra seals (making
"flush and dribble" nearly impossible) to keep the contaminates outside and the good the grease on the inside:
The outside doesn't look too bad, but as I opened it for cleaning and service, first removing the top plastic seal and the outer bearing race/retaining ring...
...and discovered this.
