The Jockey and idler of my derailer, are not spinning as freely as I would like. What type of lubricant should I put on these derailer pulleys to make them spin more freely?
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A possible duplicate question: bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/20378/…– azer89Jul 22, 2015 at 22:01
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I do not think this is a duplicate question, here is why: A chain may be wiped down, with a rag. derailer pulleys are not immediately accessible, and they cannot be cleaned in any more than a superficial way, without disassembly. Also, that question is about chains, something else entirely.– j0hJul 22, 2015 at 22:07
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...because oiling the chain will usually oil the dérailleur sufficiently. I think what you mean is how to clean your rear dérailleur : bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/18521/…– azer89Jul 22, 2015 at 22:22
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1Agree, just cleaning the dérailleur should be enough. You could apply some standard car axle grease tp the bearings the jockey wheels sit on. I normally do this whenever I take apart and reassemble a bearing.– Kim RyanJul 23, 2015 at 5:10
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I think i will try that– j0hJul 23, 2015 at 10:01
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1 Answer
You can grease the bearings, but the grease won't last very long. Better to just clean and oil them, using chain oil. Do this when you clean & oil the chain.
If the derailer is really gunked up, here is what I do:
- Lean the bike against a wall, with the derailer facing out. Make sure you're on a surface that won't mind getting a little oil and dirt on it.
- Place a section of newspaper against the wheel such that it covers the lower part of the wheel (trailing off onto the floor) and slides up behind the derailer.
- Spray the derailer thoroughly with WD-40 or a similar spray solvent, to remove the gunk. Ideally, use an old toothbrush to loosen hardened gunk. (Yes, I know that WD-40 is not a "lubricant". But it's a pretty good solvent/degreaser for this sort of application.)
- Thoroughly wipe the derailer and surrounding area dry with reasonably clean rags or paper toweling. Also wipe up the puddle that's no doubt collected on the floor.
- Oil the derailer and chain with good quality chain oil. For "general purpose" use (neither wet nor dusty) I prefer a "wax" based product such at Tech-Line KryTech. Wipe away the excess oil.
- Remove the newspaper and wipe again. (Dispose of the materials "responsibly".)
- Give the rim and tire face one more wipe with a clean rag -- you want to get as much oil off of these as possible (and even in the best of circumstances something will spatter there).
answered Jul 23, 2015 at 12:26
