Lubing shifters

Skerryman

Just wondering what most folks out there use to lube their gear shifters. I have Ultegra shifters on my bike and the small paddle is struggling to get back into position sometimes and just doesn't seem as smooth as it once was. Gears are shifting fine just wouldn't mind giving them a good ol lubing to free it up a bit.

rob.m

Give em a blast of WD40 mate.

estampida

stay away from the wd40

they might be a dry bearing and just need a clean

can you remove any sort of dustguard / cover (cable point)

is there any grease / lube in there?

clean and replace........

check manufacturer website

carl_p

Sounds like it is cable related rather than the shifter.

Skerryman

Cheers for the feedback folks. I'll peel back the hoods and have a closer look. Thought WD 40 was a no no. Also is GT85 the same type of thing, think I heard someone before say they spray theirs with GT85

rob.m

Some people will say they are not the same but they most probably are at the end of the day. They're just lubricants, I've never had a problem with applying WD40 on any part of a bike whether mountain or road bike.

Skerryman

Thanks for the info. Also, after I run my chain through the chain bath, is spraying with WD40, drying off and then applying lube the right steps to take. Been using dry lube recently and find its keeping the drive-train much cleaner and minimising chain suck.

procyclist

Another WIN for WD40

rob.m

Sounds fine to me mate, I use Finish line wet weather lube on the chain though for all year use. But whatever works for you is good!!!

rozzer32

Rob.M wrote:

I've never had a problem with applying WD40 on any part of a bike whether mountain or road bike.

Spray it on your wheel bearings or bottom bracket and come back in a few weeks and let us know how you get on.

gkerr4

i thought that there was quite a large difference between WD40 and GT85

WD40 is NOT a lubricant, at least not in design - it clearly does leave 'something' behind but it's main design purpose is water dispersal (hence the name "WD" - the 40 is for "formulation 40 i believe).

GT85 is a spray administered oil though and of the two, it would be better.

the thing is, your shifters are pre-assembled with factory grease in place - which is the best stuff for them - you may have alost a little of the grease, but by spraying either of those heavy solvent based products in there, you wil lose ALL of the factory grease!

i don't really have an answer (after all that) and I also am dreading having to do 'something' with my campag record shifters when they need attention!

turnerjohn

yep dont do WD40 on them....as above GT85 has a Teflon content so will at least act as an oil. I give them a good blast with GT85 and a toothbrush...leave to dry then work in a thick lube like Finish line XC or a lightweight grease (Pace is good)...clean ALL residue off tho as it will just attract more dirt :roll:
Would def change the cable as well (last bit on the rear is the worst culpit)...shifting would improve no end

e999sam

I think pro cyclist has shares in whoever makes WD40.

woodywmb

WS 41 is thicker and doesn't displace as much moisture.

Thebigbee

Alan Partridge advises custard and I have to agree

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9RrlXSMkt0

The best lube.. ever!!