Campy SR UT Bearing Lube

[Plum Hill]

What is your preferred lube for the ceramic bearings on Campy Super Record Ultra Torque cranksets?
On original build (and rebuilds) I placed a bead of Park grease on the inboard side of the bearings. 10K later and bearings were toast. Have new bearings, cups, and SR seals; would like suggestions before I install them.

[FlashUNC]

I would not slather ceramic bearings in Park grease.

[bigbill]

There are many good grease products for ceramic. Finish Line comes to mind. But for new bearings, I wouldn't do a thing other than making sure everything is really clean before installing them. They come lubricated. Are you using SR cups, I thought they didn't have an inner seal because it wasn't required for ceramic.

[wallymann]

there was a discussion recently about good greases, appropriate for bicycle bearing loads and speeds. some engineering type that hambini knows or some such.

i dont remember exactly the discussion, but this was a grease that was highly recommended given the particular set of additives it has: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CZ51FHK

[zap]

Check Campys website but I'm pretty sure cult bearings require synthetic oil....not grease. New ones should be ready to go.

Hopefully old potatoe will check in soon.

[Plum Hill]

Campy literature states “specific oil for bearings”.

Since my sets of Campy Neutrons were getting a lot of miles on them, I broke down and bought some Isoflex Topas NB 52, supposedly the genuine Campagnolo grease. Wheels may not have ceramic bearings but they do roll nicely.

I opened the new bearing (FC-SR012) box but not the poly bag.
Bearings are different than the other two SR cranks I have. The balls and retainers can’t be seen on the inner side. There’s a light colored piece (nylon?) over the balls and retainers that looks like a shield but is not attached to either race.
I’m sure the Campy folks know what they’re doing.

[bfd]

Originally Posted by Plum Hill

Campy literature states “specific oil for bearings”.

Since my sets of Campy Neutrons were getting a lot of miles on them, I broke down and bought some Isoflex Topas NB 52, supposedly the genuine Campagnolo grease. Wheels may not have ceramic bearings but they do roll nicely.

I opened the new bearing (FC-SR012) box but not the poly bag.
Bearings are different than the other two SR cranks I have. The balls and retainers can’t be seen on the inner side. There’s a light colored piece (nylon?) over the balls and retainers that looks like a shield but is not attached to either race.
I’m sure the Campy folks know what they’re doing.

Interesting. Does Isoflext Topas NB 52 have that same smell and consistency of Campy grease:



Good Luck!

[Ralph]

I use all purpose Permatex white lithium grease for regular bearings. Looks like the campy stuff to me. it's cheap and it works. $5 at auto store or on line. Per oz....Park probably cheaper.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by Plum Hill

What is your preferred lube for the ceramic bearings on Campy Super Record Ultra Torque cranksets?
On original build (and rebuilds) I placed a bead of Park grease on the inboard side of the bearings. 10K later and bearings were toast. Have new bearings, cups, and SR seals; would like suggestions before I install them.

Grease in cups and around the bearings. Altho CULT bearings have hardened steel components, these VERY hard ceramic balls, with any grit around them, will kill the steel cups and 'cones'. Any grease as it acts as a barrier between inside and outside. Yes, Campag says use 'oil' and in a very short time it will dribble out and provide no protection for these big bux bearings..

YES, use SR cups with added seals or the greenish more 'normal' cups and next time you need bearings, just use standard, steel, bearings made in USA.. work as well, MUCH less expensive...

[bigbill]

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

and next time you need bearings, just use standard, steel, bearings made in USA.. work as well, MUCH less expensive...

All my Campy UT cranksets have steel bearings now. Similar or longer life, $30 and 20 minutes and it's like new. I keep sets in my toolbox.

[jpritchet74]

I am using this oil on my CULT bearings.

https://bonesbearings.com/bonesr-speed-creamr-lubricant