Overheard a pro mechanic say grease is grease and almost walked out of the shop

Guy at the counter in Portland told a customer any lithium grease works for bottom brackets, and I wanted to grab him by the ear and show him what happens to cheap grease inside a Phil Wood hub after 5,000 miles; has anyone else had to clean out that nasty blue goop from a customer's bike who took bad advice?

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richardknight1mo ago

Dump that blue crap out and youll find the bearing races are all pitted too. It's not just about the grease staying put, its about what it does to the metal over time. Lithium grease is basically soap with oil, it breaks down quick under high speed heat and turns into a sticky varnish. Phil Wood hubs run so tight that cheap stuff gets forced right out of the bearing paths and then the hub starves. The worst part is that customer is probably going to blame the mechanic who built the wheel, not the guy who sold them the wrong lube.