Is there any substitute for the special Chris King internal hub grease that sells for about $13 for a few oz, and local bike shops don't stock? I'm in Southern Ca, so don't really need great cold weather performance. Can you still use 20 wt motor oil like the very old ones used?

Also, on the trail it seems like my King seems to be taking more spin than usual to engage, but on the bench it seems and feels completely normal. Very hard to pin down - just doesn't feel right. Also trying to track down a loud creaking my bike is making syncronized to pedaling (like BB, but replaced BB, cranks, etc. w/no change). I wonder if the internal hub engagement could be broken/worn and jumping under pressure???? I'll try to rebuild, hence question #1.

thanks

Is there any substitute for the special Chris King internal hub grease that sells for about $13 for a few oz, and local bike shops don't stock? I'm in Southern Ca, so don't really need great cold weather performance. Can you still use 20 wt motor oil like the very old ones used?

Also, on the trail it seems like my King seems to be taking more spin than usual to engage, but on the bench it seems and feels completely normal. Very hard to pin down - just doesn't feel right. Also trying to track down a loud creaking my bike is making syncronized to pedaling (like BB, but replaced BB, cranks, etc. w/no change). I wonder if the internal hub engagement could be broken/worn and jumping under pressure???? I'll try to rebuild, hence question #1.

thanks
Copied this from the hub tech support page on <a href="http://www.chrisking.com/tech/tech_hubs.html">Chris King's web site</a>. Hope it helps.

Chris

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The rear hub has an engagement problem.
The Ring Drive is a high performance engagement system capable of high load and extremely rapid engagement. It relies on the fine movement of the drive ring sliding on the helical spline of the drive shell. It is important that this area remain clean and properly lubricated. Dirt, debris, and/or drying lubricant may prevent it from functioning properly. Our hub is easy to inspect and service using just two 5mm hex wrenches. Recent improvements have been made to minimize abnormal sensitivity to engagement problems. Check the following for possible causes of misengagement:

1. Is the hub preload adjusted correctly? A loose hub may cause the drive rings to not engage properly. Solution: Check and properly adjust hub as necessary.

The following information references your hubs' serial numbers. These are laser-marked on the shell below the Chris King logo.

2. With our first build version, 310, running the hub with loose preload can occasionally cause internal rubbing, keeping the RingDrive™ from engaging properly. Solution: Improved main axles (identified by a stepped diameter near the bearing contact area,) are available through our upgrade program.

3. On versions 310, 311, and 312, large variations in spring pressure were discovered. A weak spring will make the RingDrive™ more sensitive to contamination. If in doubt, replace the spring. Solution: Upgraded springs are available through our upgrade program.

4. Beginning with version 314, the RingDrive™ was improved to run a special RingDrive™ grease instead of oil. This makes it quieter and coast quicker; it also gives it a much wider working temperature range (down to -20°F) In certain rare conditions, hard water or stream water intrusion into the hubs may cause early versions of the RingDrive™ grease to thicken or break down. This will impair the movement of the drive ring on the helical spline. Solution: Clean and re-grease with our most current RingDrive™ grease formula if used in extremely wet conditions. Further improvements of our current RingDrive™ grease will be available early to mid 1998. (Note: 20w non detergent or synthetic oil may be substituted in all versions in the RingDrive™ area.)

Note: In an ongoing effort to improve the water resistance of our hubs, versions beginning with 316 are using stainless steel drive rings. These little gems have allowed for stiffer springs and less sensitivity to different grease formulations. This upgrade is available through our upgrade program.

As to your first question, I highly recommending using King's lube. I don't know where you get your pricing, but you can order a bottle directly from King for around $5. I'm still using the same five buck bottle that I bought 2 years ago. A little bit goes a long way.

As to your engagement issues, it sounds like the hub needs more lube. It's a good idea to lube those splines every few minutes and the procedure only takes a few minutes. The complete service is recommended every two years in dry climates.

...out, and necessitate frequent relubing, but ("It's a good idea to lube those splines every few minutes") sounds a bit much Skweak.:D

Sorry about the typo.

Lube the splines every few MONTHS.

I can't find any place on the King web site to order - seems like they only sell clothing and stuff on line.

This is what is found when I searched for Chris King hub lube: 1.2 oz for $9 + shipping at Excel Sports - and that was one of the best prices. Not outrageous (unless you consider the amount), but it's just one more special lube I have to keep track off in my garage.

http://www.excelsports.com/new.asp?page=8&description=Ring+Drive+Lube&vendorCode=KING&major=6&minor=7

800.523.6008

The price may have gone up a buck or two since I bought my bottle over 2 years ago.

I can't find any place on the King web site to order - seems like they only sell clothing and stuff on line.

This is what is found when I searched for Chris King hub lube: 1.2 oz for $9 + shipping at Excel Sports - and that was one of the best prices. Not outrageous (unless you consider the amount), but it's just one more special lube I have to keep track off in my garage.

http://www.excelsports.com/new.asp?page=8&description=Ring+Drive+Lube&vendorCode=KING&major=6&minor=7
More info directly from the <a href="http://www.chrisking.com/tech/tech_FAQ.html">Chris King</a> site. I have ordered direct from them a couple of times. Fast, friendly service, fast shipping. You should have your lube in less than a week. Happy ordering.

Chris

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Sales and Availability Questions:
Can I order from Chris King directly?
answer: It depends on who you are. If you are...
...one of our loyal end users: We do not sell complete components directly to the consumer. However, any of our accessories as well as all of the tools and replacement/spare parts are available. Give our customer service folks a call (800.523.6008 or 503.972.4050) to place an order for small parts or for help finding a dealer near you. Currently we do not support on-line ordering.
...a retail bicycle shop: We do sell directly to Bike shops. If you're not already authorized to sell our products, give us a call and we'll get you set up.
...a bicycle parts distributor: We deal with a limited number of distributors around the world. If you are interested in being considered as a distributor, contact out international/distributor account wrangler.


If you have any more questions about ordering Chris King Precision Components, please contact our customer service folks at 800.523.6008

well, im from brazil and here its impossible to find ringdrive lube in any lbs. i sent CK a email last year and in less than 10 days the rinddrive lube arrived here for free, even the shipping was free.

you can contact larry metler at www.mtnhighcyclery.com, he sold me the lube for U$5 plus shipping. great guy.

i have used in the past at the reccomendation of a friend who knew peeps at C King,

a mixture of Bullshot grease and Tri-Flow. i was told by friend that this is essentially what King uses. mix a little grease and oil untill you get a soupy, but firm mixture. cheap and plentiful.

but if you can get a bottle for under $5, then just get the real stuff.