Re: [Classicrendezvous] Friction, was oil ports on hubs

(Example: Framebuilders:Richard Moon)

From: "Rick Chasteen" <chasteen@kcaccess.net>
To: <tomwitkop@juno.com>, <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>, "Harvey M Sachs" <sachs@erols.com>
References: <4.3.2.7.1.20001004181508.00ab69a0@pop.erols.com>
Subject: Re: [Classicrendezvous] Friction, was oil ports on hubs
Date: Wed, 4 Oct 2000 18:28:42 -0500


----- Original Message ----- From: Harvey M Sachs <sachs@erols.com> To: <tomwitkop@juno.com>; <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Sent: Wednesday, October 04, 2000 5:27 PM Subject: [Classicrendezvous] Friction, was oil ports on hubs

Greetings All.

As I understand it, the reason for the oil ports in Campagnolo hubs IS so one can use oil as a lubricant instead of grease. And since the oil will be flung past the cones and seals, they will have to be lubircated more often, which is facilitated by the oiling port.

As far as Phil Wood hubs are concerned, I recently acquired a used set from Brother R. Sachs, esteemed list member and frame builder. These have some miles on them but are in good shape. They spin like tops and have just the slightest play in the bearings. I suspect that after a few miles from new, the grease thins or is redistributed and the hubs spin much more freely. I have had the same experience with Bullseye hubs.

I have recently been mixing sythtetic grease with synthetic motor oil to get a less viscous lubricant for my hubs. It works for me and I see no disadvantages. Do any chemical or petroleum engineers care to comment?

Dale, please note that references to R. Sachs, Phil Wood, and Campagnolo oil ports qualify this post as Vintage and on topic.

Rick Chasteen (drizzly and cool) Kansas City
>
>
> The second
> thing, one which is real important but which I'm ignorant about, is what
> actually matters in reducing friction UNDER LOAD. I'd guess that the hub
> oilers were put on for track use, as you surmise, with oil (I'd prefer
> straight oil, not motor oil with all its additives, but don't know
> why). But, here's the big deal: All of us can tell the difference
> between a "stiff" hub, like a new Phil with cartridge bearings; and a
> "free" hub that spins readily in the hand. Most of us are conscious that
> the reason that a high flange hub spins better than a low flange is just
> that it has a higher inertia and spins down more slowly. What hasn't been
> shown, because it requires a real machine, is whether the Phil has more
> friction under load than the "free-spinning" hub. From what I've heard, I
> doubt it, but can't prove it.
> _______________________________________________