Author Topic: Grease on Hollowtech II BBs  (Read 1527 times)

Grease on Hollowtech II BBs
« on: 25 June, 2017, 01:02:15 pm »
May be a silly question, though I'm coming up for my first use of HT2 (somewhat reluctantly).  A new HT2 BB unit seems to come with a substantial layer of clear grease covering the bearings.  Is it recommended that after fitting of the BB and cranks, that for any subsequent removal of the cranks / axle tube, more grease is added to the bearings before refitting the chainset tube?  What I mean is, when one pushes the chainset tube through and then removes it say for a different chainset, a proportion of the grease packed around the bearings will be removed.  Does this need to be replaced, and could say white lithium grease be added to already present clear grease, or would the bearings need to be repacked...?

How do people generally manage greasing HT2 BBs?
Cycle and recycle.   SS Wilson

Torslanda

  • Professional Gobshite
  • Just a tart for retro kit . . .
    • John's Bikes
Re: Grease on Hollowtech II BBs
« Reply #1 on: 25 June, 2017, 01:23:04 pm »
The bearings are well lubricated to start with. When installing the crank I will put a bead of grease around the outside of the bearing cap and one on the inside of the crank where the axle meets the spider. Same on the non-drive side.

This isn't to assist with lubrication but an attempt to keep the weather out of the bearings. If your bike is used in all weathers then regular removal, cleaning and refitting is good insurance.
VELOMANCER

Well that's the more blunt way of putting it but as usual he's dead right.

Re: Grease on Hollowtech II BBs
« Reply #2 on: 25 June, 2017, 05:51:55 pm »
Cheers T.  At least from a regular maintenance POV, it's all pretty much easy to take apart. 
Cycle and recycle.   SS Wilson

Feanor

  • It's mostly downhill from here.
Re: Grease on Hollowtech II BBs
« Reply #3 on: 25 June, 2017, 06:04:38 pm »
I put a smear of grease on the tube before inserting it into the bearings, but don't over do it, the tube is a close fit to the inner race of the bearings and too much grease will just scrape off and pile up in a big dollop behind the chainset.

Torslanda

  • Professional Gobshite
  • Just a tart for retro kit . . .
    • John's Bikes
Re: Grease on Hollowtech II BBs
« Reply #4 on: 25 June, 2017, 07:53:24 pm »
Which is exactly what you need to keep the weather out...
VELOMANCER

Well that's the more blunt way of putting it but as usual he's dead right.

Feanor

  • It's mostly downhill from here.
Re: Grease on Hollowtech II BBs
« Reply #5 on: 25 June, 2017, 07:55:36 pm »
To a point...

Re: Grease on Hollowtech II BBs
« Reply #6 on: 25 June, 2017, 08:02:21 pm »
What grease do you use generally..?
Cycle and recycle.   SS Wilson

Torslanda

  • Professional Gobshite
  • Just a tart for retro kit . . .
    • John's Bikes
Re: Grease on Hollowtech II BBs
« Reply #7 on: 25 June, 2017, 08:06:47 pm »
Weldtite TF2. Got a gert big 3kg tin to use up.

For more precise stuff the same but with a needle grease gun...
VELOMANCER

Well that's the more blunt way of putting it but as usual he's dead right.