Crank/Chainset fitting

[pubrunner]

Hi All,

I'm fitting a new square taper chainset and my query is this;

Should I put grease on the bottom bracket spindle shaft - the part onto which the chainset fits ? (Some websites seem to recommend 'dry' fitting) - might this not make them difficult to remove at some later date ?

Which grease would be best - lithium, copper or something else.

Also, which would be the best grease to put on the crank bolts ?

I've never fitted a crank/chainset before, so I'd appreciate any advice.

Thank you

 

[raindog]

They're usually dry fit. If you use grease there's a risk of distorting the tapered hole in the crank.

 

[rusty bearing]

Which is why the beggars wont come off after a while. We always lightly grease he square taper on reassembly but crank bolts always get a small dab of loc-tite

 

[Gerry Attrick]

Excellent article on this subject: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/brandt/installing-cranks.html

 

[PpPete]

If re-using an old spindle make sure the crank bolt threads are clean - WD40 is fine for this. I've never used either loctite or grease on the bolts. But since reading the above article some years ago I always lightly grease the square faces of the spindle. Never seem to be able to find my copper-slip so I always use my regular Finishline teflon grease.

 

[Vapin' Joe]

I use Copperslip, which doesn't lubricate but forms a barrier between the two different metals.

 

[Rhythm Thief]

This issue divides cyclists in the same way helmets do. I smear taper axles lightly with grease before assembly. As did George Longstaff, who knew a thing or two about bikes.

 

[ianrauk]

Another one here who uses a small amount of grease. Always have done.. but for life of me can't remember when I started or why.

 

[barongreenback]

Just bought a Shimano bottom bracket and the square taper spindles are pre greased.

 

[guitarpete247]

Always use copperslip but will now start to use threadlock especially on the left crank. I always replace the dust caps glad I do but have never had a nut come loose so far.

 

[rusty bearing]

'Cats foot, iron claw'

Isn't that king Crimsons 21st century schizoid man?