Lube or Loctite?

[chumbaracing]

Lube or Loctite?

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There is a small squeaking noise coming from one of the pivots on my bike. I know how to disassemble everything and clean/lube all the pivots...but, should i be putting loctite on them or greasing or lubing them?? Could someone clarify?

I tore down my bike a few months ago and greased all the pivots - now the noise has come back.

 

[mtnbikerdude87]

It usually depends where you would use it. For shock bolts I would use loctite since the bolts are constanly moving and thus will vibrate itself loose. And I just grease everything else.

Squeaking pivots? Try checking the bearings to see if they are dry. Just gently pry open the seal and take a peak in there, sometimes the dryness will cause the bearings to squeak. Happened to my friend's hubs, we lubed everything up and it was still squeaking, we popped opened the seals and greased the inside, the sqeaking was gone. Also make sure that everything is clear of dirt/dust where the pivots are, sometimes this might cause the squeaking.

 

[chumbaracing]

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cool thanks..

 

[chumbaracing]

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just one question..you pop open the seals for the bearings with a razor right?

 

[TURNERob]

I would NOT pop the seal off of a sealed bearing like that, they are sealed for a reason meaning they are not serviceable. The chances of you getting that seal to stay back in is slim and none. It is unlikely that main pivot bearing is causing your noise. Look at the shock pivot bushings first and check all the bolts for tightness. There are so many things that could be causing it, seat post, seat rails, cranks, bottom bracket etc.

 

[chumbaracing]

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yea..ive been through this before...guess i just got to tear down the bike and see...the reason why i think its the pivot is because it will only squeak under load..how often do i have to go through this? i just did this a few months ago..been riding maybe a few times/ week...

 

[project_d]

I agree witn mtbdude

I generally use loctite anything threaded, and grease the pivots. You pop out the pivot bearings and roll them back and forth with one hand as you hold it by the center using your other hand. If you're hearing a squeaking noise, you might want to replace the bearing. If you hear nothing, just pop it back in and have fun!