Sticky Vario Panniers

[Backroader]

I reckon there must be others out there who have the same problem - Vario panniers which are difficult to expand/contract. One of my boxes makes a real ratchety noise when I pull on the bar and expands more on one side than the other.

I've sprayed WD40 type stuff everywhere and it's better now but what's the answer. Dirt and grit are bound to get in there so it will happen again for sure.

Anyone got any tips ?

 

[BeemerBaz]

You have done what usually do, copious amounts of WD 40 and then operate the mechanisms until all seems smooth.

 

[Engineer]

I reckon there must be others out there who have the same problem - Vario panniers which are difficult to expand/contract. One of my boxes makes a real ratchety noise when I pull on the bar and expands more on one side than the other.

I've sprayed WD40 type stuff everywhere and it's better now but what's the answer. Dirt and grit are bound to get in there so it will happen again for sure.

Anyone got any tips ?

Yes - stop the dirt and grit getting in, then all will be well again

 

[EggChaser]

If you hear a clicky noise and find one pannier does not expand to the same width as the other then it means the plastic gears have slide past one another instead of meshed (the clicks being as the teeth re-engage and release) do this too often and it will slowly wear the teeth down ... not a good thing.

I stripped the mechanism down on one of mine and reseated it all in the correct positions and cleaned any grit/dirt out in the process - now works a treat.

BTW they are a bit fiddly to strip down and put back together and unfortunately I did not take any detailed photos of the process.

 

[Nemo]

Don't use WD40

There was a big thread recently about WD40 - worth a read. From that, and my own experience of locking and/or sliding mechanisms, WD 40 is a short term solution and a long term problem causer.

WD40 is a water dispersant that uses a volaile "carrier". So when sprayed-on the volatile carrier acts as a lubricant but when that all goes what is left is the sticky water dispersant. Sticky means that it keeps water out but gathers dirt, and that eventually gums up the works again.

There are greases and silicone based oils available from good accessory and hardware shops that do the job much better. If a lock, hinge or mechanism is not working well and has been "treated" with WD40 in the past the best bet is to wash it out with light oil or even soap and water - then dry it thoroughly and then use the correct lubricant.

Hope this helps

Nemo

 

[Backroader]

Thanks guys

I thought about going the whole hog, I actually had the pot of grease out but decided I did not like the look of stripping the whole lot down so took the easy option of squirting a bit of 3-in-1 oil in (not WD40 as I mentioned).