Bottom Bracket Service (grease)
 

I get the feeling all grease is relatively similar, but what do I use for specific applications? Every video online says something different from none, to teflon, to generic. I’m lost. Can I get some mechanics advice?

Right now I have Phil Wood Bearing Grease, Phil Tenacious Oil, and Park Tools anti-seize, but I have no problem buying whatever is best.

So what to use on:

BB30 cupsCrank shaft at base and non-drive side tipInside Bearings for overhaul/frequent servicesAnywhere else necessary

Thanks guys.

What you are using is fine, if you change any other grease you use should be waterproof or marine grade. Don't know what you mean by "crank shaft." If you have come across the term BB30 I would think you've also seen the term spindle, and what is the base and tip??

+1

What you have is more than adequate for the jobs. Are they the "best"? Who knows. But they're all good enough to be playing in the majors.

Don't let lube snobs complicate your life with buzz words, or "there's only one right way" statements. Look at the auto world. Tons of motor oils and additives all claiming some superiority (all but one are lying), yet do you really believe that simply making routine changes with the right grade of the off the shelf Shell, or Mobil product isn't good engine care?

Grease is grease... for the most part (esp. on a bicycle). A tacky marine type of grease will hold up best when it comes to water washout. Lots of good tacky grease that doesn't have "marine" printed on the label though. Just be sure to remove all of the old grease before application; sometimes different grease types don't play well together. Or, if known, use the same grease that was previously used.

I'm curious. Why?

Any grease labeled "Bearing grease" is fine. I use waterproof motorcycle grease, only because the big tub has been in my tool box since 1987.

Have used any vintage grease that I've found at garage sales, recently starting using 60cc plastic syringe's to make easier to do hub's, BB, & headset bearings. Lucas X-TRA, heavy duty grease from Loew's or Wal-Mart., for under $5, for 16oz.

Boat trailer wheel bearing grease. It is cheap and widely available. On a bike, over fill the void with grease so water can not get in there, than wipe off the excess.

Good point! Note taken.


Got it. So pack marine grade in the gap around the spindle after install as a seal?


Got my car terms and bike terms mixed up. I knew it sounded off. Thanks for the input though.

Just because I have the tools now, so I don’t mind repacking 3 times a year or so and then replacing once a year. If I was getting serviced by a shop I might favor longevity. I’m also a performance oriented rider, even if it is just a placebo of speed/time gains—even the thought that pedaling is easier goes a long way in pushing me while attacking a gradient.

Same question as above—So pack marine grade in the gap around the spindle after install as a seal?

Yes

what you have is great. I use the phil grease all the time


the only grease have an opinion on is white lithium stuff.......I have taken apart too many old bikes where it has hardened and been a pain to clean up.

Alright. Sounds good guys. Thanks again.

Stoked for this service. After this, the only thing I haven’t done myself is run cables and service hubs. Haven’t taken my bike to the shop once since I’ve come over to road. This is so much more rewarding—I love wrenching.

Along the same lines of your enjoying the placebo effect of less grease, there is nothing more rewarding than servicing loose ball hubs and pedals. You are way faster when done. :)