Originally Posted by
Moisture
I've noticed there is a fair bit of resistance coming from the pulleys in the rear derailer while spinning the cranks backwards.
I'm well aware that using a pressure wash on a bike is a rather terrible idea. What if I pressure wash the frame, chain and derailer at a safe distance first before removing the chain and derailer for a proper degrease?
Or should I just remove the chain and derailer in the first place to get to work? What would be the best way? Using some sort of shallow bin filled with degrease and a brush?
There are a lot of crevices and what not such as in the front derailer as well which have been caked in dirt and grease for a very long time. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Using a pressure washer on a 1980s bike might have been a bad idea but the seals on modern bikes have vastly improved. Even back in the 80s, it wasn’t that big of a deal. I’ve been using pressure washers since the 80s (on the rare occasions that I actually get around to washing a bike) without ever getting water into any bearing on the bike. I didn’t use the wand at high power around the bearings but now I wouldn’t worry about it. I don’t consider Shimano hubs to have the best seals but I wouldn’t hesitate to use a pressure washer on them.
But your problem likely isn’t going to be fixed by washing with a pressure washer...or soap and water of any kind. If your derailer jockey wheels are binding because of crud, you need to take them off and clean them. I’d use mineral spirits because you’ll only need a little bit. You might have to scrub them a little (wear gloves) as well. Put the derailer back together and
then use a power washer.
Finally, at the risk of being flamed, find another lubrication regime, preferably one that doesn’t leave your drivetrain as a dirt magnet.