What Lube for Axles ?

[Rainman]

Man, I wish I had a service manual (DVD) for this bike.
I haven't seen an answer yet about what dealers might be selling the service DVD to their customers. I sure need more than the "Rider's Manual".

I have the rear axle off to put a pair of R&G offset cotton reels on, and I'm looking at the rear axle. I'd like to make sure it doesn't gaul or rust and continue to be easy to remove when I change my tires. I am wondering what you might recommend as the best lubricant to protect it. I have some Gunk heavy-duty white lithium grease and some Permatex anti-seize lubricant (133A). I'm not sure these are appropriate or not.

Any mechanics out there with advice? Thanks

[chopt]

I've always used bearing grease with no problems.

[viperclaw]

The anti-seize is what I would use. Doesn't attract too much dirt/dust like grease has a tendency to do. Anything is better than nothing. Just clean the original stuff off and put on some new stuff.

[Rainman]

Thanks guys.

I forgot, I have old fashioned wheel bearing grease as well, but I think I will use the anti-seize as long as I have it. I use it for spark plugs in aluminum heads. It's rated for 1600 degrees, and it's not a high-speed lubricant like wheel bearing grease is, but a light coat should prevent galling.

[randomwalker]

I've used Bel-Ray Assembly Lube for my K1300GT and was planning to use the same for the S1000RR when I change the tires.

[markjenn]

Keep in mind that all you're doing is making it easier for the axle to insert and providing a bit of anti-rust protection for a location that shouldn't really see much water. It's not like anything is moving with respect to the axle. You're also providing a little bit of lube for the dust seals on the bearings and for that reason I'd tend away from something like anti-sieze (have no idea what it would do to seals, probably nothing) and towards just a general purpose grease such as wheel bearing grease. The gold standard for these sorts of things is Bel-Ray Waterproof Grease and almost all pro mechanics have it around.

- Mark

[BUZZ]

how will you take the rear wheel out with the R+G off set cotton reels when the rear axel holds them in place..??? will you have to fit another set on the swing arm itself to take the back wheel out always wondered how the offset one's work to take the rear wheel out..??

[Depths_of_Mind]

Originally Posted by BUZZ

how will you take the rear wheel out with the R+G off set cotton reels when the rear axel holds them in place..??? will you have to fit another set on the swing arm itself to take the back wheel out always wondered how the offset one's work to take the rear wheel out..??

In a word, Yes. Offsets don't work at all for taking the axel off.

[kismetcapitan]

which is why I fitted Yoshimura spools, and separate axle sliders.

btw, has anyone figured out what the squeaking in the rear wheel is? Just a feature of new bearings, to disappear over time?