When I remove the wheel, I find loads of grease on the axle shaft and speed gear.
Service? Lubrication? Rust prevention? I sense all sorts of intentions behind it, but I wipe it clean anyway.
I could understand applying it to spots that still rub or move, but…
applying it to the edges just makes things dirty.
I don’t think it’s a matter of just slathering it on.
This is my Inazuma, but…
I’m not even sure if it was applied or just accumulated.
Honestly, I doubt there’s any rust prevention benefit. All it does is attract dirt—pure downside.
Steering stem bearings are different from the steering head.
If you’re taking stem bearings apart frequently, applying a soft grease in the right amount should actually improve movement.
Since stems and swingarms aren’t removed often, I think the idea is to pack them with plenty of oil to keep the lubrication sealed in for the long haul.
The axle shaft doesn’t rotate.
Sometimes you’ll see extra grease applied to the axle shaft.
The reasoning is tricky, but for high-removal-frequency items like wheels, I think minimal rust prevention is enough.
If you’re the type who feels reassured by heavy grease, that’s fine as long as you clean off the old stuff and replace it each time. But if you’re constantly adding extra grease on top, that’s worth reconsidering.
