Does penetrating spray have downsides?

edruid

Member
Jun 11, 2022
78
36
Gloucestershire
Got a set of these to protect my brakes from lube vapour:

So in the never-ending battle between dirt/rust v. pivots/bearings, what is not to like about regularly splooging said pivots/bearings with this stuff:

Just as added protection?
E.g. would it flush grease out ot the cartridges or joints.

*Obvs will be rinsing/brushing big, get-at-able dirt off prior to sploogeing

Thanks

eDruid
 

Mikerb

E*POWAH Elite World Champion
May 16, 2019
6,565
5,055
Weymouth
If you are talking a bout pivot bearings in situ, typically all you can see is the spacer between bearings. The bearings of course have seals each side but if you allow dust/mud etc to sit on that spacer ...worse still if you use a hose to wash the bike, that trail muck will work down between the spacer and bearing and eventually work its way past the bearing seal. So best first step is to use a stiff brush on that area. I then drip a little wet lube on it. I leaving that whilst I clean other parts of the bike I by which time some of that oil will work its way onto the side of the bearing and help to keep the seal flexible. I then use a pipe cleaner to wipe right a round the spacer. I doubt using a penetrating oil will do any harm but since I already have wet lube and use it on the dropper, shock shaft, and fork stancions, it is easier for me to just do the pivot points with the same stuff.
 

steve_sordy

Wedding Crasher
Nov 5, 2018
9,004
9,423
Lincolnshire, UK
I would not spend £28 on a pair of those covers. Instead, I use zip-lock plastic sandwich bags. The 200mm ones are perfect for 200mm discs. You will need to cut one side of the top once to allow the bag to pull up past the axle. They last quite a while, but as they are free (either wife has already bought them or I get the ones after one use). They stay in place even at 75mph (my bike goes on a towbar rack).

I started to use them when I realised that my discs were picking up oily crap from the road surface, making the discs squeaky.
 

Dax

E*POWAH Elite World Champion
May 25, 2018
1,726
2,112
FoD
You’re overthinking this. Just replace the pivots every couple of years.
 

Stihldog

Handheld Power Tool
Subscriber
Jun 10, 2020
3,564
5,023
Coquitlam, BC
There’s a couple of things I don’t like having in the bike-cave; Dot fluid, WD40, and man-buns. I’ve had to make an exception for one of those.

Those road grime covers are kinda cool though for transporting on the bike rack. But I think a zip-loc plastic bag would work well for servicing in the cave. Both are good ideas 👍🏻.
 

Dax

E*POWAH Elite World Champion
May 25, 2018
1,726
2,112
FoD
There’s a couple of things I don’t like having in the bike-cave; Dot fluid, WD40, and man-buns. I’ve had to make an exception for one of those.

Those road grime covers are kinda cool though for transporting on the bike rack. But I think a zip-loc plastic bag would work well for servicing in the cave. Both are good ideas 👍🏻.

What’s wrong with DOT fluid?
 

Stihldog

Handheld Power Tool
Subscriber
Jun 10, 2020
3,564
5,023
Coquitlam, BC
Isn’t there at least a litre in your car next to the bikes?
Okay okay, but no exceptions for man-buns.
IMG_8078.jpeg
But even though I’m follically challenged…I might be able to grow this.
 
Last edited:

timo2824

New Member
Dec 27, 2023
33
55
USA
WD-40 works great for intended uses, I use it to clean metal surfaces, to keep my o-ring chain's from rusting, and as a light duty lubricant.

DOT fluid stores just fine, I put the opened bottle in a Ziploc bag and pull a vacuum on it. Lots of cars sit for multiple years and the brakes still work when they get pulled outta the barn.

Man buns are definitely bad, keeping them out of your garage is a smart move.
 

Stihldog

Handheld Power Tool
Subscriber
Jun 10, 2020
3,564
5,023
Coquitlam, BC
WD-40 works great for intended uses, I use it to clean metal surfaces, to keep my o-ring chain's from rusting, and as a light duty lubricant.

DOT fluid stores just fine, I put the opened bottle in a Ziploc bag and pull a vacuum on it. Lots of cars sit for multiple years and the brakes still work when they get pulled outta the barn.

There’s no clear winner between Dot and Mineral Oil. IMO.

I think that what is important is that we use the correct fluid that is intended for our brake systems. Both types of fluids need to be changed, or our brake systems flushed, and new fluid added. At least every year, or depending on use.

Water absorbs in Dot fluids. Water is heavier than mineral oils and pools in our callipers. Regardless, changing those fluids may help restore the feel of your brakes.
 
  • Agree
Reactions: Dax

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