Answered Lubricating derailleur and brake / gear levers?

[Beekeeper]

Any suggestions on how to lubricate the derailleur other than where the chain goes. Should I use some kind of light oil spray to get into all the other parts of it? Also what about gear and brake levers?

 

[steve_sordy]

I use a light teflon lube, like "Weldtite TF2 Teflon Lubricant Spray" after every wash. The 6" long thin tube it comes with allows me to spray the pivot points only. I don't lube the gear and brake levers. I used to do so many years ago, but it just clogs them up.

 

[Mikerb]

I use chain lube on all those parts, same time as I do the chain. Then leave for 10 mins and wipe the chain and any run off from the other parts.

 

[Shifty]

Once degreased any light oil will do a good job.

 

[Jaygam]

You will not beat Acf50, especially on contact parts like allen bolt heads and bolt through axles.
Comes as grease, spray or lube.
Put some in a padlock.... it will forever be a happy padlock!

 

[Shifty]

You will not beat Acf50, especially on contact parts like allen bolt heads and bolt through axles.
Comes as grease, spray or lube.

i use it on my motorbike. It is a brilliant anti rust coating and guard against salt. But shit sticks to it like a blanket. Your supposed to let the crud stick all winter and wash off again in spring. Underneath it’s as good as new. Best winter protection you can get!
But @Jaygam would you recommend it as a lubricant though as the crud sticks to it like a magnet?

 

[Rusty]

I am a sucker for WD40 or similar. Nice spritzer tube so you can point it where you want it then wipe off with a clean soft cloth.

 

[Jaygam]

You will not beat Acf50, especially on contact parts like allen bolt heads and bolt through axles.

i use it on my motorbike. It is a brilliant anti rust coating and guard against salt. But shit sticks to it like a blanket. Your supposed to let the crud stick all winter and wash off again in spring. Underneath it’s as good as new. Best winter protection you can get!
But @Jaygam would you recommend it as a lubricant though as the crud sticks to it like a magnet?

I've noticed that too but considerd what doesnt attract dirt on bolt heads etc? with assembled parts just wipe off the excess and its no problem.
Other "premium" Teflon, resin and silicon baised lubricants get dry and gammy or compromised by water very quicky in comparison.

 

[Shifty]

I am a sucker for WD40 or similar. Nice spritzer tube so you can point it where you want it then wipe off with a clean soft cloth.

That’s what I use on the Jocky wheels. I also rub the frame and wheel hubs with it and a cloth I used it as a degreaser on my chain. But it thins the oil out you put on after so no good! I use it on cable ends, levers etc!

 

[Mikerb]

wd40 is a cleaner not a lubricant!

 

[55plusmxinsanity]

WD-40® Multi-Use Product protects metal from rust and corrosion, penetrates stuck parts, displaces moisture and lubricates almost anything

 

[Rusty]

wd40 is a cleaner not a lubricant!

Yes and no.

Was initially designed as a water dispersant - hence the WD. Reading safety sheets it pretty much lists hydrocarbons, petroleum base oil and carbon dioxide. The hydrocarbons are the greatest percentage and form the water dispersal/cleaning function with the petroleum base oil performing the protectant and lubricant and the carbon dioxide the propellant.

 

[MitchF]

WD40 Silicone lube is my choice.
I also spray on the frame and wheels after wash and dry.
Used to use it on mx bikes.
Dust and dirt wash off easier as this stuff puts a little protective layer on.

Use it on my derailleur ??

WD-40 Specialist High Performance Silicone Lubricant 250ml

 

[hokkane4]

Also what about gear and brake levers?

For SRAM brake levers, never ever put anything else than DOT grease. Any oil, specially if sprayed goes easily to master piston and easily damages the seals. Believe me, I have done it . Luckily got it fixed under warranty, as SRAM has similar problems with seals swallowing under the hot conditions.

 

[paquo]

fluorinated grease supposed to be cleaner just a little for pivots and teflon dry for the rest of the deralieur

and

 

[Mcharza]

I've never put any oil in the rear derailleur.

 

[Stephen]

Rear derailleur - every 500km or so , take off the two cog wheels ( just two screws to be removed ), clean everything , apply grease and remount .Takes 10 minutes to do . Brake levers - I don't apply anything . Cables - I don't have any , that's one of the advantages of AXS dropper post and wireless derailleur .

 

[Jaygam]

Silicone lubricants are good for plastics, rubber or metal/plastics/rubber.
But not metal/metal contact.

 

[steve_sordy]

WD 40 Multi Use product..... This is what the manufacturers say.

Surface Cautions: Nearly all surfaces interact with WD-40 Multi-Use Product as they would any high grade aliphatic petroleum spirit. Certain types of rubber will swell upon prolonged immersion. Wax polishes and certain wax coatings may be softened by WD-40 Multi-Use Product. Clear polycarbonate and polystyrene may stress craze or crack. Always test surfaces first.

 

[Jaygam]

WD-40® Multi-Use Product protects metal from rust and corrosion, penetrates stuck parts, displaces moisture and lubricates almost anything

Honestly if you think wd40 is good, really do try acf50, I had a crappy pin style padlock on the garage that got wet and tarnished inside, it was a real pain in the butt... wd40 did nothing, acf50 made it perfectly useable again and not had to maintain it again since.