QR skewers - to grease or not to grease?

[Cyclist33]

I inspected the wheels on my new bike yesterday and the skewer axles are bone dry. They don't grate or anything and seem to spin ok, but every time I've fitted wheels to a bike I've smeared a bit of grease down the skewer axles... do I need to?

Thanks

Stu

 

[HovR]

I always have, more to provide a barrier against surface rust than anything else.

 

[jdtate101]

The skewers don't rotate or bear any load, so they don't strictly need lubrication, however as HovR says a thin film of oil helps keep them rust free.

 

[Howard]

As above, they don't have to be greased, but if they are the exposed cam type you should ensure the cam surfaces are lubricated.

 

[ianrauk]

I always have, more to provide a barrier against surface rust than anything else.

+1

 

[Deleted member 23692]

I always have, more to provide a barrier against surface rust than anything else.

+ another 1

 

[Cyclist33]

thanks, always assumed they span!

stu

 

[heliphil]

I had one that rusted solid ( no punctures for ages) a real pain when I had to get the wheel off, now I make sure they are greased.

 

[grumpyoldgit]

Coppa slip is a good rust preventing,anti seize grease.

 

[tyred]

Definitely grease. I have an 1980s Peugeot sitting in my work stand at the moment with both skewers rusted in place and some choice names for whoever last worked on it.

 

[migrantwing]

Grease +1

 

[mickle]

Apply grease. Wipe it all off. Insert. Repeat once a year.

 

[Cyclopathic]

Apply grease. Wipe it all off. Insert. Repeat once a year.

And what about on the skewers?