Replacing bent skewer - how to?

[bobzrag]

On my last ride I discovered that my rear skewer was bent - wheel popped off (luckily on the uphill portion of the ride at Whiting)! I managed to get the wheel back on and completed the loop (less aggressively than hoped), but with no incidents.

I purchased new hope skewers but wanted to know if i needed to add grease or lubricants of any kind when replacing them, or should I just clean everything up and stick 'em in?

I've searched STR, mtbr and my zinn book, but no mention, any help would be appreciated!

[2wheel_lee]

Generally speaking, no lube is required. The Hope skewers are particularly nice because they have a bronze bushing (I think it's bronze) that the cam part of the lever rotates on. Having said that, I often put a very small dab of grease on the cam portion of the skewer lever.

How did the wheel pop off?

[bobzrag]

The wheel locked up and the disc brake became useless - the hub actually dislodged itself from the drop out. That could have been a little messy if it had been on the decent.

Thanks 2wheel_lee, I've got the skewers in and all tightened up - hope to get out for a ride tomorrow to check it out.

[jcampbell]

More likely a brass bushing. Same material they use in their seat clamps.

I also have to grease mine. I find that because of the material, it hard to maneuver without a good lube ("story of my life")

Originally Posted by 2wheel_lee

Generally speaking, no lube is required. The Hope skewers are particularly nice because they have a bronze bushing (I think it's bronze) that the cam part of the lever rotates on. Having said that, I often put a very small dab of grease on the cam portion of the skewer lever.

How did the wheel pop off?

[SAR_boats]

It is brass. I also use Hopes.

Before you slather lube on everything consider this:

Lube attracts dirt, grime and debris. Doesn't matter what kind you use, it will attract dust and dirt like a magnet. That being said, the brass (it is a brass cupped bushing, not bronze by the way) will wear out fairly quickly if you run it dry.
My advice is take a small morsel of lube and apply it to the friction surfaces only. Then wipe off most of it. This will leave a thin coating of lube on the surfaces but since those surfaces will be in contact with one another it shouldn't grime up. Additionally it will leave enough friction between the two to prevent an inadvertant release due to vibrations, etc

[mytrustysteed]

Are they Shimano skewers? Did you see this recall?
Front 'Quick Release' Recall

[SAR_boats]

Originally Posted by bobzrag

I purchased new hope skewers

Non-applicable. Thanks tho, I do have a pair of XT skewers on my set of commuter wheels. I will have to check them

[dirttorpeedo]

loob the steel part of the skewer with a thin coat because the elements will rust it inside the axle. steel against steel kood be tuff too get apart after time.allways use grease when your putting two metals together.

[SAR_boats]

Originally Posted by dirttorpeedo

loob the steel part of the skewer with a thin coat because the elements will rust it inside the axle. steel against steel kood be tuff too get apart after time.allways use grease when your putting two metals together.

I didn't even think of that but that is true.

[2wheel_lee]

I'm pretty sure that all of the Hope skewers I have have stainless steel shafts. They are also available in titanium, but I've never bucked up for those. Anyhow, I doubt there is too much of a concern with the stainless steel skewer rusting to the axle. Yes, I know, some grades of stainless steel rusts, but I've been using Hope skewers on a couple of my bikes for many years, and with frequent cleanings with a hose, there isn't a hint of rust on any of them. I don't think Hope offers them in regular "steel" versions.

[SAR_boats]

That is true too. I have never had any issues with rust either, nor have I heard of any. But an ounce of prevention...

Especially when you've got several c-notes wrapped up in hubs

[2wheel_lee]

Originally Posted by SAR_boats

Especially when you've got several c-notes wrapped up in hubs

If that's the case, you probably have aluminum axles, and you're surely not going to have a problem between aluminum and stainless steel.

By the way, one problem of putting grease on the skewer shafts is that it's not going to float as freely by the springs on either side of the skewer. I put grease on about everything when assembling bikes, but that is one area where I think it would be more of a hassle than it does any good.