How & Where To Use Grease, Lubricant & Threadlock On Your Mountain Bike - The Complete Guide

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Making sure your bike is clean, lubed and greased is vital for ensuring longevity of your components - but it can be confusing with the amount of different lubes and greases out there.
Also, it can be confusing where you should be using grease; assembly compounds and thread locks. So here’s our guide to the different options out there, and where you should use them…
Depending on the level of bike maintenance you plan on doing, there are a few basics that everyone should have in their collection:
- Water Displacer
- Chain lube
- General spray lube
- Grease
Water displacer is ideal for use after a wet ride or following cleaning your bike; to drive out the water from small moving parts like the chain. It’s also ideal to use on things like the cleats on your shoes to stop them from rusting.
Chain lube is the best thing for your transmission. Pick one that suits the conditions you ride in - more on that in a minute though.
The spray lube can get lube in to places that chain lube can’t go - like brake lever pivots; and the mechanisms on clipless pedals. Although you can use spray lube on your chain, it’s thin viscosity means it won’t stay in place as well as a dedicate chain lube.
Grease is a necessary essential for helping keep water away from moving parts like bearings, and for use when assembling certain bike parts.
Don't forget to let us know your thoughts down in the comments, subscribe to GMBN Tech and share this video!
If you'd like to contribute captions and video info in your language, here's the link 👍 gmbn.tech/5
Music:
Andreas Jamsheree - Lifestyle
Andreas Jamsheree - Load It Up
Watch more on GMBN Tech...
How to fit a press-fit BB gmbn.tech/installbb 📹
Service lower fork legs gmbn.tech/serviceforks 📹
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[@gmbntech]

Here's our complete guide to grease, lubricant, threadlock. Don't forget to share this one!

[@rafilayish6059]

The literal "WD-40" itself, or for Muc-Off users like me, MO 94, is great for suspension.

[@rafilayish6059]

Do not make the mistake of putting actual chain lube on your suspension.

[@andyjarjour5119]

MTBskrt why not uh oh I've done that

[@johngraham6506]

What about the chain cleaners and degreasers that say they are also lubricants? Can they actually work? I've tried a couple of them and liked them. They don't last long as a lubricant but are easy to use and seem to clean well.

[@sazalihussain358]

How about chain wax? How does it differ from wet / dry or general purpose lube?

[@robd99]

Can't believe no one has chipped in with "I use 3 in 1 oil for *everything* on my bike and its still going strong after 30 years.........."

[@beardyface8492]

If you've a steel Dutch style bike (or just something really old) with SA hub gears, or single speed freewheel, & an enclosed chain you use round town, that'd actually be fine apart from some general purpose grease for the occasional repack of cup & cone hubs, headset, or BB. Not needing anything specialised is part of the attraction of such "transport" cycles.

[@h2Okka]

Just use Vaseline

[@Wrangzilla]

I use leftover KY

[@jimdandy4329]

Bacon grease

[@SnappingTurtle444]

😄 hahaaaaaa!!!!!

[@hellcat320]

great video, seriously you guys are awesome. I've always been mechanically inclined (maintenance electrician by trade, car junkie since forever) but when i got back into mountain biking i needed a resource for bike specific maintenance. You and your team produce excellent videos and very informative, I find working on my bike super easy (which is part of why i love doing the maintenance myself) but i still need a resource to lean on for specific information and you guys are bar none the best on the internet!

[@dylanprovan2245]

Nice vid Doddy! But I was here mostly to find out what grease you use to do your hair.

[@baggyroo10]

Dylan Provan 😂😂😂😂

[@jufi9987]

😂😂😂🤣

[@ramonbannister9498]

He uses WD40

[@TheWeardale1]

depends on the weather...dry or wet, windy? haha

[@incognitoreuploads4991]

He uses unbranded kitchen grease. It does the trick

[@Iheartdgd]

This is great video, very informative. Thanks Doddy and GMBN crew. Don’t cut corners guys, keeping your bike lubed is very important.

[@robbchastain3036]

Thanks, Doddy, that was slick.

[@staceyfletcher7814]

Kid: sprays wd40 degreaser on his chain Me: what you doin? Kid: lubing my chain 🤨

[@jayden2592]

Stacey Fletcher lol

[@ultimaetsolder]

Wd40 is a light lubricant.

[@floatingchimney]

@@ultimaetsolder It's not a light lubricant, it's a high lubricant. High viscosity lubricant. As for for the original poster (Stacy), WD40 is NOT a degreaser! WD40 in fact can be used to lubricate bike chain. It's not as effective due to its high viscosity, but it's definitely better than nothing.

[@mikemoher9242]

@@floatingchimney - Jose, you old rocket-scientist! You are indeed correct when you say that WD-40 (assuming you are referring to WD-40 Multi-Use Product) is NOT a degreaser. However, Stacey Fletcher said the kid sprayed wd-40 degreaser on his chain. I'm assuming Stacey meant WD-40 Specialist Industrial Strength Degreaser, which IS a degreaser! After which he may have sprayed his chain with WD-40 Bike All-Conditions Lube...which actually is a light lubricant! Referring to a WD-40 product (products from the WD-40 Company based in San Diego, CA, USA) without designating the specific product is a bit like saying "I ate McDonald's".

[@floatingchimney]

@@mikemoher9242 When we say WD-40 we mean WD-40 and exactly WD-40. You're obviously wrong as "WD-40" alone is a product in itself. Like the one here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WD-40 What you are referring to is a legal entity called "WD-40 Company" - notice the "company" addition. As it is registered like that. "en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WD-40_Company You obviously aren't too well educated yourself. WD-40 is a stand-alone product , without any other additions to its name.

[@chrisward925]

Thanks for the video as always and especially useful as I went and put down a deposit yesterday (after years of saving) on a 2017 Stumpjumper Carbon Expert and hadn't considered whether a grease was suitable for carbon frames as to date I have only ridden Aluminum frames. A big 👍for that piece of valuable information.

[@paladin1674]

Well done informative fast paced video with no wasted words !! Thank you

[@juhotuho10]

I don't really care about bikes but was lookin for a general lubricant guide And I found this very helpful 👍

[@dazzamtb27]

Great video, a very comprehensive list for the whole bike.

[@Drea_gg]

I was looking for a video like this one for weeks ! Thanks mates, really helpfull

[@metalbass62]

Been waiting for something like this, brilliant!

[@ghjgjihjgjyrdrgydsgr137]

This is an amazing video, thanks for putting all this info in one place.

[@Bugattilover39]

I definitely need to get some more lubricants and oils. Great vid guys!

[@zane31415]

Very helpful video! Love the new channel so far.

[@straightnobraker4677]

You are a HUGE asset to this channel!

[@rigorhead01]

Wow! This was a very informative video! I learned quite a few things. Thanks!

[@frankyjager]

Nice video, as a new bike rider , super useful information. Just a correction about Wd40 , it is not conductive.. far from it , it as a dielectric (isolation) strength of about 40 000 volts.

[@marcushesketh5822]

Finding this really helpful

[@gmbntech]

Thanks Marcus, that's great to hear

[@keeganstafford8964]

awesome, love the new tech channel already!

[@peterpeter5214]

Really needed that Video thanks !

[@gmbntech]

Thanks for the comment Peter - hope the video helps out.

[@carlomagnotm]

:D I had to wait 10years to see a very resumed video about bike lubes ,my favorite part is buying some lube I think its gonna help my bike and make my personal review thx gmbn

[@archetypex65]

Best spray lubricant is CRC silicone. 100% pure silicone lubricant no petroleum distillates. It's about five bucks and can works on every single pivot point and moving part on a bicycle. it also is incredibly useful for keeping rubber parts from drying out and can be a short-term water-resistant application on your clothing and shoes. 👍

[@fpvshenanigans]

All good stuff, thanks for sharing all the knowledge 👍

[@rcairncross76]

This channel is already a winner!

[@gmbntech]

+robbie cairncross cheers Robbie. Thanks for the support.

[@superketchupyt2510]

This was so helpful thank you so much!

[@chasemiller8130]

Perfect video... i literaly needed iy now

[@chrlmn7372]

Dear sir, you do the very best tech-videos, I have come over this far! So please receive my warm and a very big THANK to you sir, for taking your time to instruct us with excellent insights and "how-to´s", and to enlight us in the many mysteries of taking the best care of our, often very expensive and loved MTB:s in order to make them working well when riding far from our homes! Wishing you and your team, a very good and happy new year 2018 and with all safe and many happy rides! /Best Regards from Sweden!

[@gmbntech]

+Charl Mlln and thank you Sir. It means such a lot to us when we receive such thoughtful comments. We really do try our best and it's so good when people like yourself love them. Happy New year to you too and thanks for the support.

[@EriComicuDesu]

Fine writing there fellow Swede! Thanks for the great videos guys!

[@onsight2822]

you'll notice if your brake lever falls off ! 😂 love it another Great vid Doddy 🤘

[@doomweaver2007]

Smoove chain lube is awesome wet and dry and its longevity on the chain is incredible it makes all the others on the market look pretty poor and I've tested them in terms of chain wear and how much you have to apply and the price of it.

[@gillesbalin2222]

Amazing, very helpful thanks !

[@gmbntech]

Thanks Gilles!

[@ma14.27]

I feel so educated now, thank you

[@n3f2r80]

THANK YOU FOR THIS

[@gmbntech]

Thanks for watching Nefar!

[@samdarcy1026]

Just what I needed

[@stubblywillbert]

Great video guys, Would like to see a video on how to diagnose fix/replace rear suspension pivot bearings.. how are they fixed in the frame? Also a video on how to upgrade the rear shock. Thank you

[@gmbntech]

+William Harding we will ask Doddy to do just that my friend. All the best.

[@kevineina6454]

Extremely useful and well product video. Shortest 12 minutes ever.

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

Good stuff guys!

[@arno.b]

I was waiting for this video for sooo long

[@denizvonmenace]

Thanks a lot, that's hell of a handfull video!

[@gmbntech]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mimo98]

Thank you for this info

[@NetzHog]

what a slick video!

[@whocares9049]

Very helpful video, thanks!

[@gmbntech]

Glad it was helpful!

[@yellow6ird]

Excellent video thank you!

[@william_2610]

Great video, thanks Doddy!

[@gmbntech]

+William thanks William, great to hear you like the video!

[@user-rj9ui3sz8u]

Bummer I got that Finish Line Premium grease and didn't know Teflon was bad for carbon. Glad I saw this video.

[@lruiz44]

cool video doddy thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@gmbntech]

+Eneas Duarte thanks Eneas!

[@campbelllogan7859]

Brilliant content boys

[@gmbntech]

+Campbell Logan nice one Logan. Appreciate the feedback!!🤘

[@royshaw9299]

Great tip's I will use them

[@g.fortin3228]

Nice info !! Thank you !

[@MrHeepspo]

so many different oils/greases/lubes/etc... Is there a simpler, specific breakdown of what to use and where? Great video :)

[@thos3474]

Finally I don't have to bother friends and people around the internet anymore when I want to grease/clean something. Thank you for this video, I was really looking forward to it!

[@gmbntech]

+TH_Shizz Nice one. 🤘

[@ledfeneri671]

Just a tip, i use syringe for applying grease

[@MRBIKER-iv9st]

Excellent video. In which parts should I not use lithium grease and why?

[@ChuchoMoncho]

Great video!!

[@CofFDnSnaps]

Very helpful for us home mechanics. Nothing worse than buying something you think you need only to misuse it and cause damage or not need it and waste time and money.

[@feroxgargol]

the video i always aks for :) thaks Doodie :)

[@garrybear6555]

R.I.P GMBN table now an oily mess after Doddy sprays every grease on the table. LOL

[@nedt]

Great video for showing all the different type of lubricants and where to use them, there are some people who grease plastic bottom brackets but I found that bit of information about bearing retention compound very valuable thank you. Although it would be nice to see some other products apart from WD40..... 😉 I think WD40 is there either you love it or hate it.

[@gmbntech]

+maxim0200 cheers mate. There were some other brands, but we do use WD and they do support the channel. 🤘

[@orishuchami9770]

This was really helpfull!!

[@RichardDue]

Hey, great video. I have a quick question, though. During those in-between times-when you know your axle bearings, cranks, or pedals don't need to be taken apart and re-greased for another six to nine months-would WD-40 WD-40 Specialist Spray and Stay Gel Lubricant be a okay to use? (not as a replacement for a proper servicing, but again, during those in-between times)

[@lukemarvenko2845]

Thank you so much

[@ChuckHaney]

A great addition to a video like this would be a link to all those products (and ONLY those products) or if you put a list of them at the end of the video.

[@finnc5381]

Awesome video. I have been searching for videos on how to rebuild rear shocks. There are no good ones out there. You should help us out and make some.

[@gmbntech]

+Finn C it's on the list! We will ask Doddy to get it done as soon as he can

[@vote47]

awesome video!

[@gmbntech]

+vote cheers dude.

[@owenfletcher4005]

Great video, do you use thread lock on suspension bolts when you remove them?

[@tommyestrada6464]

One comment about lubing the chain, I was taught a long time ago that the best way to lube your chain, was to do it after you got done riding, lube the chain really well then leave it, and before you go riding next time just take a rag to it, to clean off the excess. The lube has plenty of time to work its way into the rollers that way.

[@theuglydumpling4772]

No dont do that

[@workwithreality]

@@theuglydumpling4772 why?

[@theuglydumpling4772]

@@workwithreality its just literally backwards in the steps. rist the reason why you remove the excess is to stop it from dripping onto your floor. But you wont have any excess lube to clean before your ride because it HAS dripped onto the floor.

[@itisallinyourhead1709]

It is beacause of heat and expansion and space, that's why you ideally lube after a short ride and not a cold chain.... Ride a motorbike and you will know. 😅

[@dmod686]

Decent video, what grease would you recommend for dropper posts?

[@acksam]

Really awesome video. I wanna ask if my bike is having creaking noise on the crank when i pedal hard, and the crank bolt comes loose after riding.. in order to remove this creaking noise and prevent it from coming loose easily.... should i be using grease to grease the bolt area? or should i be using loctite to ensure it stays tight and firm?

[@DeltaSoftAustralia]

The blue tub, you said a standard grease, can I use this for my carbon, steel, and aluminium bike?

[@th_js]

This is really helpful! Great video Doddy

[@gmbntech]

+Tomi Saaranen Glad it helped Tomi

[@sean0611]

Well hello again tomi 😂

[@th_js]

Hi Sean! Again😂

[@sean0611]

Tomi Saaranen how are you doing? Anything new you got on your bike?

[@th_js]

Im doing great, thanks for asking! And yes I have something new on my bike : new 760mm Handlebars, 50mm stem and new grips. When its my birthday (in February) I am upgrading my bike with things like shimano xt 1x11 new dropper lever etc. What about you?

[@matthewbojarski3004]

Wanted a video like this!!!!😃

[@gmbntech]

... and here you go! Hope the video helps Matthew.

[@navi-charlotte]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6izh3x9rq-Ne8k you could have watched the non-WD-40 sponsored version since a long time ago without having to wait, you know?

[@dirtdroprobbie]

Can you do a video reviewing options that aren't petroleum based? WD 40 is pretty bad for the environment but there's not much info out there on alternatives. I use green oil but I'm sure there are other brands out there too.

[@garethcarberry7516]

Why is Teflon grease not ok for carbon? I have used it thinking maybe I should remove it from my stem and seat post?🤔🤤 grate vid!👌👍

[@davidperry7676]

i use antisense grease o my bb threads so i can get it off easy. i use red rubber grease in the bearings and it seems to keep them in much better condition than if i use normal ep2.

[@huggafox8551]

Useful! Thumbs Up!

[@jonassch4223]

hey, can u also use for example rock shox specific fork lube for fox forks?

[@ugoilgabbiano6882]

Is a how to ( and how often) service frame pivots scheduled any time soon? It will be very much appreciated! Thanks doddy, wonderful video.

[@gmbntech]

+Francesco medda if you want to see it, we'll have to see what we can do!

[@ugoilgabbiano6882]

Cheers guys! Keep up the great work!

[@lassehansen109]

Can i use the Muc-off bio grease to the wheel bearings ? Or which grease would you recommend for re-greasing wheel bearings ? Thanks a lot for great content 😁

[@gloriouspopemantom373]

Parrafin wax works so well on my chain, stays really clean, cheap as chips too. 1 giant 4£ candle. last me a year or more.

[@Mark10ng]

Great video but how often roughly should you be doing this stuff. Of course that depends on how often you ride and weather's you ride in etc. I ride on average 1s a week and do around 20miles. Rain or shine.

[@donavinnezar]

i really need to hit up my bike shop see if they can get my bb open and i might need a new chain while im at it coz ive been running 20w40 motor oil for 3 years but alas ive been riding from home to school on roads

[@philippd6117]

Before even watching it, I know that this is the video I`ve always wanted!!!

[@the_enginoir]

Hi guys, I have cleaned everything on my Marin Hawk Hill 3 and just assembling it all back together. Do I need any grease on the suspension bolts where they meet bearings? Anything on the threads? And do you use anything on the exposed shock shaft and the stanchions at all? Cheers

[@flyingtiger4991]

NOW you're speaking my language ! GMBN *TECH* !! haHAAA !!! *LOVE IT*

[@gmbntech]

+Flying Tiger Excellent. Really glad you like the new Tech channel. Appreciate your support.

[@normanzielke6108]

Hi Doddy, can you help me out (Btw: love your show). I am using Shimano anti-seize for my aluminium seat post in an alu frame, but now the seat post is sliding down. Is this the wrong product or do I something wrong?

[@msolopriv]

Hi #GMBNtech, can you please make a video on oval chainrings. I am in curious your opinion. I am thinking to repleace my current 34T raceface in my 1x11 setup as I am stuggeling a bit on steep terrain.

[@mainzman7239]

#askgmbntech I have a bike with Avid XO Trail brakes and while they have great modulation and power they suffer from the dreaded turkey gobble on a regular basis. Not all the time, it seems to get worse after using them for a while. I've read so much mixed advice on how to fix them but this being the internet you have no idea whether the person giving the advice actually knows what they're talking about. Most people seem to agree it's down to the brakes not being bedded in properly and say the pads and rotors should be thoroughly cleaned and the bedding in be done by rolling down a long hill while dragging the brakes to evenly distribute brake material onto the rotors. I've also read a few times that Centerline rotors will cure it. I assume proper bedding in still has to be done though. My dear Doddy, I trust your advice, what would you recommend? I love the brakes but the noise is driving me a bit nuts.

[@lucasbergia7025]

Would you use grease on a carbon fork and also for the bearings ? Or it's better to use carbon paste for this parts? Or could you tell which type of grease it's safe for carbon fiber ?

[@ikerteuscher]

#askgmbntech Can I use a small amount of dry lube to apply on the suspension forks in order to cycle them a bit and get dirt from out of the seals? Do I risk ruining the seals knowing now thanks to Biem Leichel it´s a solvent based lube? Thanks

[@MrVestax8]

What type of lube or oil do I use after I wash my bike to lube up my forks coming in from the top using a zip tie to get the oil or lube in. Thanks

[@ln663]

Use a leaf blower or compressed air for displacing water. More useful and reusable than consumable aerosols.

[@oliverwright7816]

These videos have tort mr how to maintain my bike 😊

[@cameronlesley2428]

What sort of grease /lube should you use on a dropper seatpost

[@andyjack37]

You recommended lithium grease for wheel axles, but would this grease also be good for seatposts?

[@RocketMagnetUK]

I've been searching for a Marine Grease to use on my CF Santa Cruz lower link bearings via the Grease Nipple and Chris King BB. Lots of warnings around Lithium based greases which most seem to contain. So can you use PPL-2 for these applications or point me to a UK supplier of compatible Marine Grease without Li.

[@byronthomas8230]

Question should I use a little bit of medium strength thread locker on stem bolts holing the handlebars on?

[@Haze1434]

Thank you. Which one is best for the missus?

[@driftattack11]

I have an inexpensive coil front fork, but nevertheless want to keep it operating smoothly. Can I lubricate the sanctions after wiping them clean? Or should I be taking the fork apart to clean and lube?

[@dimpels1978]

The grease used for wheel bearings would that be the same as car wheel bearing grease ? here in south africa very hard to find wheel bearing grease in the bicycle shops let alone tools to buy