How to keep your Rear Derailleur clean and lubricated?
Keeping your
rear derailleur clean and lubricated is critical to its proper function and longevity. Here are some recommended steps:
1. Cleaning steps:
Prepare tools and materials: You need to prepare some basic tools and materials, such as car wash sponge, hot soapy water, brush (preferably an old toothbrush because the bristles are finer), lint-free cloth, chain cleaner, chain lubricant And a dedicated chain washer if you have one.
Clean the entire bike: First, clean the entire bike, not just the rear derailleur section. Use a car wash sponge and hot, soapy water (hotter is better to remove greasy stains) to remove dirt and oil from your car.
Focus on cleaning the rear derailleur: Move the rear derailleur to the largest disc, wrap the chain in the middle if using a specialized chain washer, and drip soapy water or chain cleaner into the inside of the chain washer. Try to avoid spraying cleaner directly on the chain to prevent waste and contamination of the brake disc.
Rinse and Wipe: Use a brush or sponge to carefully clean every part of the rear derailleur, especially the guide pulley and bearings. Try to avoid using a high-pressure water gun when flushing to prevent water from entering the bearing position and flushing away important grease. Afterwards, wipe all parts with an absorbent cloth and make sure they are completely dry.
2. Lubrication steps:
Choose the right lubricant: Choose a dropper-style chain lubricant so you can more precisely control the amount.
Lubricate the chain and rear derailleur: Apply one drop of lube at a time to the chain rollers, not the entire outside of the chain. Turn the crank slightly to allow the lubricant to penetrate into the rollers and form a protective barrier. After applying the lubricant, let the chain rest for one to two minutes, and then slowly turn the crank for 30 seconds to help the lubricant fully penetrate into the rollers. At the same time, an appropriate amount of lubricating oil can also be dripped into the guide wheel bearing part of the rear derailleur.
Remove excess oil: Use a soft cloth or brush to gently wipe off excess oil, making sure the chain and rear derailleur surfaces are clean and free of oil accumulation.
Note that regular cleaning and lubrication of the rear derailleur is key to keeping it working properly. Additionally, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations and adjust service intervals based on your riding environment and frequency. If the rear derailleur is severely worn or damaged, please contact a professional for repair or replacement in time.