Chapter 4: Lubrication 36
Derailleurs
Each month, apply lubricant to all pivot points
on the front and rear derailleurs, together with
the derailleur pulleys on the rear derailleur.
Headset
Each year, replace the grease in the headset
bearings. To service bearings, special tools
and training are necessary, so only your dealer
should do this.
Brakes and Brake-levers
Each three months apply lubricant to the brake-
lever pivots and brake arm fixing pivots.
Wheels
Each year, replace the grease in the wheel
bearings. To service bearings, special tools
and training are necessary, so only your dealer
should do this.
Each year, apply lubricant to wheel quick-
releases. Apply two or three drops of synthetic
lubricant or a light oil where the quick-release
lever turns in the quick-release body.
Suspension Forks
Each month, apply a light oil to the fork leg
where the lower leg moves on it. Clean the fork
if there is too much oil.
Each year, replace the oil in your suspension
fork. To replace the oil, special tools and
training are necessary, so only your dealer or a
suspension fork technician should do this.
Rear Suspension
Do not apply lubricants to the shock or the
pivots of your full-suspension bicycle. If
the shock or pivots are making noise or not
operating smoothly, take the bicycle to your
dealer for service.
Cables
Apply lubricant to a cable when you install it.
To install a cable
To install a cable in a cantilever brake, special
tools and training are necessary, so only your
dealer should do this.
1. Before you remove the used cable, know its
path on the frame. Decrease the tightness
of the cable-clamp bolt, and remove the
worn cable.
2. Apply grease to the new cable. Install the
new cable on the same path as the
used cable.
3. Make sure the leaded end of the cable is
installed correctly in the lever. Make sure the
housing is correctly installed in the lever.
• If necessary when you install a cable in a
brake, adjust the brake again.
4. Turn the barrel-adjuster clockwise so that the
threads on the barrel-adjuster do not show.
• For a derailleur cable, put the shift-lever in
the position with the least cable tension.
• For a brake cable, hold the brake closed while
you do the subsequent step.
5. Tighten the cable-clamp bolt to 52-69 lb•in.
(6-8 N•m).
6. Cut the cable so that no more than 2”
(51 mm) extends through the clamp-bolt.
7. Put a metal cap or put a bit of solder on the
end of the cable to prevent a frayed cable.
8. Use the instructions for adjustment.
