FD boot - sealing after inspection?

[Slipperyeel]

Despite some searching, I can't really find info on how the FD to shaft tunnel is sealed.

I'm off to Italy in just about a month so just doing some once over checks. I want to change the FD oil to get a health check - I do not want a repeat of last year

I'm fine with changing the oil and perhaps even lubing the paralever bearing too. But I'm not clear on the details of sealing the boot on reassembly.

Is there any special sealant that should be used or is lithium grease used as I've seen during my search?

Cheers



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[Coppertop]

I used silicone grease on mine. Seems to do the trick.

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[Slipperyeel]

I used silicone grease on mine. Seems to do the trick.

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Thanks. That's helpful.

It seams just a good layer of grease - a type that won't damage the 'rubber' if the boot - is the answer?




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[Hoff]

I just use a thin smear of red rubber grease and then ensure its seated correctly as you swing the FD unit up.
Having had a split boot in the past with subsequent water ingress and corrosion problems (and a large repair bill) I check the boot every month for condition.

 

[Slipperyeel]

I just use a thin smear of red rubber grease and then ensure its seated correctly as you swing the FD unit up.
Having had a split boot in the past with subsequent water ingress and corrosion problems (and a large repair bill) I check the boot every month for condition.

Ok. Thanks for confirming. I have a good supply of red rubber grease.

I am now keen to open it up. Mildly apprehensive too! Argh!



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[Mac One]

The Haynes manual for twin cams says " Lubricate the coupling boot with silicone grease before installation."

 

[Slipperyeel]

The Haynes manual for twin cams says " Lubricate the coupling boot with silicone grease before installation."

I have that too. At least with the red stuff you can see where the mess is



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[Hoff]

I guess either type of grease will be ok!
If you have not swung the FD down before a good tip I learnt was to offer it up without the boot in place and see how it all connects then do it with the boot in place.
It can be a bit fiddly just be patient!!

 

[Slipperyeel]

I guess either type of grease will be ok!
If you have not swung the FD down before a good tip I learnt was to offer it up without the boot in place and see how it all connects then do it with the boot in place.
It can be a bit fiddly just be patient!!

Thanks for this tip. It's a good one.

Today I got it all apart. Pleased to say everything looked very clean, as it should. To be honest, I swung the FD back into place at the end without little trouble. I put a long cable tie through the UJ to lift it and with a gentle rotation of the hub it all popped in easily - did it twice because I forgot something the first time around!

The oil was free of any metal bits. Very clean. But it was a tad milky. Any black ish bits were paste -I mean they just spread thin on my finger and I could almost count those 7-8 bits).

The bit I'm unsure of is the pinion shaft. I could feel a tiny movement, I'd estimate 0.2mm. Everything else appears just fine. So unclear of I'm seeing a normal amount of movement or if I should get onto it.

I've only been doing a check-over. Not because there are any issues or symptoms. I'm off in 3 weeks, so just taking a look.



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[Hoff]

Glad you got it done.
With reference to the pinion I am not sure I would bother with such a small amount but someone wiser than me will be along soon with an opinion!

 

[Mac One]

To be honest, I swung the FD back into place at the end without little trouble. I put a long cable tie through the UJ to lift it and with a gentle rotation of the hub it all popped in easily - did it twice because I forgot something the first time around!


You're lucky....The first couple of times i tried this i had to walk away....It was a pure ball ache. I think I've got the hang of it now.

 

[Slipperyeel]

To be honest, I swung the FD back into place at the end without little trouble. I put a long cable tie through the UJ to lift it and with a gentle rotation of the hub it all popped in easily - did it twice because I forgot something the first time around!


You're lucky....The first couple of times i tried this i had to walk away....It was a pure ball ache. I think I've got the hang of it now.

You might be right. But I'm hoping I bumped into the best way at the start.

I got a long cable tie through the UJ.
Fixed the boot in on the FD side.
One hand on the disc carrier /spider so I could both lift the FD and rotate the pinion shaft.
Then whilst eyeballing the pinion shaft, lifted the UJ to what appeared the best position.
As the two met, I very gently wiggled the disc carrier and it all just engaged nicely.

I had to do it twice because during my search for a long enough cable tie and thinking about how I'd do it, I forgot to put a bit of moly grease onto the splines, even though it was sitting next to me. Doh.

Having never done it on this bike, I'm quite impressed with how straightforward it was. I think it was about 45-50 min all in. I spent longer cleaning it all up . I didn't go into the paralever bearings, but I can see that's a simple step on. I might get in there before I go away.

I will definitely be keeping fresh oil in that FD. It's also a lot easier to get the wheel back on compared with the 1150!



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