To lube or not to lube??

rapid_donkey

Ive got an '11 Giant Trance X3 with Fox Float R rear shock and Fox F 32 series forks.

After every ride, the fork stanchions get a wipe over with a baby wipe to clean them up and thats it.

Not had any problems so far, but do other people generally lube the stanchions too? And if so, what lube do you rate?

Cheers.

thistle_

I don't lube them as such. I give them a wipe with a rag to get most of the dirt off (or a hose down and leave to dry), then smear some teflon based chain lube (e.g. finish line dry) on the stanchions, pump a few times to get the dirt off the seals then wipe clean with a rag.
It's more a good clean than a lube. The oil in the legs/seals should keep them lubricated.

If you're servicing the lower legs frequently the stanchions should stay lubricated enough.

stubs

Drop of teflon chain oil on the seals let it soak in and then pump the forks. You will get a tide line of dirt on the stanchion wipe it off and repeat till you dont get a line of dirt. Keeps the seals supple as well as clean and makes them last longer.

cooldad

Yes, after pretty much every ride, as above, or I use a drop of Float Fluid. The foam rings need to be kept moist.

rapid_donkey

Thanks for the replies. I have some Finish Line Dry Teflon Lube so have just left some to soak into the seals and then given them a pump. Great advice cheers.

cooldad

I wouldn't use dry lube.

bowden769

i know i am gonna regret asking this but here goes ...

what is the best lube to use

sorry for the highjack lol

rapid_donkey

Ah, too late ha! I may invest in some wet lube or fork lube then, see what the wonders of ebay has to offer!

Stu Coops

I use fork juice spray it on before each ride

WindyG

As per "cooldad" this is what I use http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/140905657657?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&adtype=pla&crdt=0 you only need the smallest amount.

brindlescoops

Fenwicks do a fork lube spray too which always keeps mine nice and smooth. Must give them a quick spray and a pump after cleaning.

cooldad

WindyG wrote:

As per "cooldad" this is what I use http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/140905657657?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&adtype=pla&crdt=0 you only need the smallest amount.

Cheapest place - £1.50 a sachet and free postage.
http://www.stif.co.uk/mtb/product/fox-s ... achet/9335
Just needs a tiny dab on a fingertip smeared around the bottom of the stanchion.

dusk

I've seen people mention using float fluid to lube stanchions but shouldn't you use 10wt oil as this is what the foam rings are soaked in???

BlueAdvocate

Stu Coops wrote:

I use fork juice spray it on before each ride

One spray on the fork and one up your nose is the ratio I believe

cloudynights

silicone spray for the rubber dust seals

cooldad

Be careful of sprays. Some of the propellants can damage seals.

cloudynights

this is true, their used a lot on plastic window rubber gaskets, stops them from drying out, just get a general lubricating can

MDobs

Could you use a grease rather than oil in the same way?

something like this - http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... delID=3150
or this http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... odelID=980

stubs

I would avoid grease it will attract grit.