Attempting first proper bike service - some questions

[mrfacetious]

It's mostly about cleaning and regreasing. So far I've disconnected the chain taken the cranks and rear mech off and removed the chainrings. There's a massive tub of degreaser in the post to soak the chainrings, mech and chain in (loads of mud on the spring of the mech, can't really get to it)

Some questions:

1. Is it necessary for me to remove the bottom bracket to grease it? (think it's a Dura Ace external and it's never been done in 3 years of ownership. It WILL NOT BUDGE when I try to remove it)
2. The cables are quite new - will they still be good to reconnect the rear mech?
3. The chain tool I bought (on first use!!! Not cheap either) started not driving directly forward but in circles, like it was bent. Is it dead?
4. Why are bikes so expensive to maintain?!
5. Is it possible to give the rear mech a thorough cleaning without removing it? (I've already stripped the thread on my dropout once in the past)

 

[Ian H]

Blimey! I wash the bike with cheap car wash* and replace components when they're knackered.

*Degreaser, sometimes, on chain and rear mech, then relube.

 

[jim55]

yeah ,degreaser in a tub ,a small paint brush and an old toothbrush ,i never take things off unless the item needs replaced ,if it aint broke it soon will be when u take things off that really just need cleaned

 

[HLaB]

I found degreaser too aggressive and after advice on here (or the old C+forum) I now use Babywipes for practically everything and the only thing I've taken apart are the wheel hubs.

 

[Cubist]

It's mostly about cleaning and regreasing. So far I've disconnected the chain taken the cranks and rear mech off and removed the chainrings. There's a massive tub of degreaser in the post to soak the chainrings, mech and chain in (loads of mud on the spring of the mech, can't really get to it)

Some questions:

1. Is it necessary for me to remove the bottom bracket to grease it? (think it's a Dura Ace external and it's never been done in 3 years of ownership. It WILL NOT BUDGE when I try to remove it)
2. The cables are quite new - will they still be good to reconnect the rear mech?
3. The chain tool I bought (on first use!!! Not cheap either) started not driving directly forward but in circles, like it was bent. Is it dead?
4. Why are bikes so expensive to maintain?!
5. Is it possible to give the rear mech a thorough cleaning without removing it? (I've already stripped the thread on my dropout once in the past)

1. Are you trying to remove the BB in the right direction? Why do you think it need regreasing? Is it creaking or clicking?
2. As long as they aren't frayed, and you are confident they are in good nick, why swap them? A decent clean and lube will work wonders. If they aren't smooth swap both inner and outer.
3. Take it back for a replacement or refund, unless of course you have been cack-handed and damaged it yourself..
4. Cheaper to maintain them as you go along, rather than all in one go or replacing bits that have been killed through neglect.
5. Clean the mech in situ. You haven't exactly sold yourself as a model of dexterity and spannering skills!

Enjoy it, it's all part of the fun! Go easy on the degreaser. A little on a rag will clean your chainrings, you don't need to kill the environment with gallons of used degreaser.

 

[gbb]

It's mostly about cleaning and regreasing. So far I've disconnected the chain taken the cranks and rear mech off and removed the chainrings. There's a massive tub of degreaser in the post to soak the chainrings, mech and chain in (loads of mud on the spring of the mech, can't really get to it)

Some questions:

1. Is it necessary for me to remove the bottom bracket to grease it? (think it's a Dura Ace external and it's never been done in 3 years of ownership. It WILL NOT BUDGE when I try to remove it)
2. The cables are quite new - will they still be good to reconnect the rear mech?
3. The chain tool I bought (on first use!!! Not cheap either) started not driving directly forward but in circles, like it was bent. Is it dead?
4. Why are bikes so expensive to maintain?!
5. Is it possible to give the rear mech a thorough cleaning without removing it? (I've already stripped the thread on my dropout once in the past)

1. Sorry no experience of dura Ace.
2. If they're old and in good condition, they'll be re-useable. New'ish and in good condition, definately so.
3. Can't visualise it, is it a Park Tools one, some have a pin that can be replaced,.is the pin fitted ?
4. Be thankful you're capable of doing your own maintenance...
5. Personally i wouldnt dunk it in degreaser. It'll soak into the pivots, dry them out and they'll quickly corrode or get stiff....unless you can strip it and lube those pivots of course.

 

[mrfacetious]

Thanks for all the replies - it's biodegradable degreaser so shouldn't be too aggressive (or damaging to the environment).

I'll keep the rear mech out of it then.

It's not a Park chain tool, it's a Cyclo one I got from my LBS before Christmas but have only just used - probably no good for a refund. Think the pin is fixed - might be able to bend it back?

I found disassembly necessary as there's so much crud in hard-to-reach places that has been there for ages. Probably won't strip the rear mech though. The bike's not been as smooth in shifting as when I got it for ages now so I wanted a complete reboot, so to speak.

The BB isn't misbehaving, I just assumed a regrease every year or so might be a good idea. If it's not needed I won't bother.

 

[Cubist]

Bought from a LBS before Christmas, and bends the first time you use it? If the LBS have any concept of goodwill, they will replace or refund. A Cyclo chain tool is for emergency use, not daily workshop use.

 

[gbb]

Thanks for all the replies - it's biodegradable degreaser so shouldn't be too aggressive (or damaging to the environment).

I'll keep the rear mech out of it then.

It's not a Park chain tool, it's a Cyclo one I got from my LBS before Christmas but have only just used - probably no good for a refund. Think the pin is fixed - might be able to bend it back?

I found disassembly necessary as there's so much crud in hard-to-reach places that has been there for ages. Probably won't strip the rear mech though. The bike's not been as smooth in shifting as when I got it for ages now so I wanted a complete reboot, so to speak.

The BB isn't misbehaving, I just assumed a regrease every year or so might be a good idea. If it's not needed I won't bother.

Have you looked at cable tension ?
Its quite normal to encounter some cable stretch with newer cables,as you replaced them recently (i assume), a tweek up may sort it.

 

[boydj]

The RHS of the bottom bracket is a left-hand thread. BB is likely to be a sealed unit anyway.

 

[fossyant]

My tip of the day - clean the bike more often - jobs a good 'en.