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Stanchion Lube?

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#2 · (Edited)
I'm not sure I understand the question.

Some forks that don't have actual bath oil rely on grease for the bushings, which means taking the fork apart and applying grease, vs. bath lube forks where you can generally change the bath oil without having to take the fork apart. For the former, it typically depends on how often you want to be opening it up and the exact arrangement, in terms of what grease (a thicker or thinner) is going to be the right call IME. It doesn't go on the stanchions, it goes on the bushings and seals.
 
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#4 ·
We've had this discussion before. Other than the lubrication that occurs inside the fork itself (via bath oil or grease as mentioned above), I think the consensus was that the upper stanchions don't need lube, just wiping/cleaning. Lube on the exposed parts just attracts dust that clogs the wipers faster.

If that's what you're asking. Otherwise, nevermind!
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
TwiceHorn said:
We've had this discussion before. Other than the lubrication that occurs inside the fork itself (via bath oil or grease as mentioned above), I think the consensus was that the upper stanchions don't need lube, just wiping/cleaning. Lube on the exposed parts just attracts dust that clogs the wipers faster.

If that's what you're asking. Otherwise, nevermind!
Click to expand...
nmxtrdr said:
If you need stanchion cleaner fancier than a clean rag, try the silicon spray cleaner.

Don't lube your stanchions.
Click to expand...
Thanks guys.

I'm not playing with anything with oil baths right now.

I was reading instructions (forget where right now) that indicated grease on the stanchions during reassembly and to keep the fork from being sticky, but didn't specify what grease; just stuff for rubber seals.

If silicone spray and a rag do well, I'll just use that. I'm not a huge fan of using a lot of lube on anything for the reasons you state.
 
#10 ·
I wipe off the stanchions, apply a little Slick Honey close to the seals, compress the shock a few times, and wipe all the Slick Honey off of the stanchions and outside of the seals. That just leaves some lube on the inside of the seals and won't attract dust. I used to use silicon spray but stopped because it actually seemed to increase stiction over time.
 
#12 ·
I bought a tiny tube of stanchion lube made by Finish Line. Came with a tiny little rag to wipe it on. Literally a drop or two is all it takes. This was 10 years ago and it’s still going. I don’t know if they even make it anymore though.
 
#14 ·
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