Originally Posted by speed47
As the original poster I didn't realize what a can of worms would be opened with this post
I searched further back in the forum and now understand what a hot topic this is. Since it appears to be equally divided I think I will leave my taper greased, don't see the point of removing the crank again. Many thanks to all who replied. I just got back from an hours ride in our balmy 5 degree temperature today and need a cup of something warm.
speed47
If you were going to pick sides in a 50:50 issue, I would recommend that you pick the side recommended by the manufacturer. No grease.
I am surprised that no one came up with this yet. First of all, the manufacturer sets the torque spec. The manufacturer assumes that the spindle is ungreased as per their instructions. So, if you grease the spindle and torque to the manufacturer's spec, it is not torqued correctly. You will push the crank arm on too far before you reach the spec.
Another thing. A tapered fit is intended to be a metal to metal joint. Putting grease in there gives you a small semi-liquid layer between the two pieces of metal. This will allow them to move ever so slightly. This movement is what reams out the hole in the crank and allows it to be moved further and further up the spindle with retightening.