Suspension is a vital part of a bike’s suspension, and without it, the bike would not move. Many new bikes come with suspension that includes forks, shock absorbers, and spring travel.
Suspension components help absorb shock and reduce the amount of movement in the bike. They also control how much the bike moves when you pedal or brake. When you ride your bike, the suspension helps protect your body from bumps and makes riding more comfortable.
As with any mechanical system in your bike, suspension requires maintenance to work optimally. When it gets dirty, parts lose lubrication and function suboptimally.
Here, we will tell you how to use bike spray on suspension components like forks, shocks, and springs to keep them lubed and protected from abrasions and friction. We will also tell you about some common lube sprays that we often use for our bikes when traveling or exploring new routes.
Techniques To Use Bike Spray On Suspension Components To Protect And Lubricate
Suspension components on a bike need protection from the elements and wear and tear. However, too much use of bike spray can damage these components and reduce their lifespan. In this blog, we will discuss the various techniques that you can use to protect suspension components from wear and tear, as well as the possible side effects of using bike spray.
We will also teach you when not to use it, and what to avoid while using it. If you are looking to protect and lubricate suspension components with a bike spray, there are several techniques you can use.
One example is using a spray such as MO-94 to drive out excess water and prevent rust and corrosion on suspension components. This bike spray is known for its effective water-repellent and rust-proofing properties, making it the perfect choice for protecting suspension parts from the elements. Moreover, adding light engine oil when turning rebound adjusters on fully adjustable forks will help keep the adjusters lubed and functioning smoothly.
Another option is using Bike Protect as an all-over corrosion inhibitor to preserve and freshen bike parts, reduce wear, and enhance performance. By regularly cleaning bike parts with a rag or WD-40 wipes, you can effectively remove dirt, grime, and grease that can build up on your suspension parts over time.
How Does Bike Spray Work?
Bike sprays, such as Bike Protectant MO-94 [102], are designed to protect and preserve bicycles. They create a protective layer on the frame, handlebars, seatpost, and other components, preventing dirt adhesion and helping to reduce wear. The sprays can also be used on moving parts such as hinges and locks to lubricate them and drive out excess water.
Suspension components may also benefit from bike sprays, as they help to protect and lubricate the parts. These sprays provide a barrier against oxidation, making them durable and efficient. They also help to prevent rusting, ensuring that parts remain functional for longer.
Plus, the lubrication provided by bike sprays helps to improve suspension performance and prevent friction-related wear and tear.
5 Precautions While Using Bike Spray On Suspension Components
When it comes to protecting suspension components from the elements, bike spray is a great option. However, care must be taken to ensure that the lubricant is suitable for the job and that it doesn’t harm the suspension components in any way. Here are some precautions to keep in mind while using bike spray on suspension components: – Do not spray bike protection directly onto suspension components.
Use a brush, cloth, or sponge to apply the spray on suspension components- Be sure to check the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific instructions as to what type of lubricant to use on suspension parts- Clean and lubricate contacts, including battery connections, before spraying- Avoid using a lubricant on brake pads, rotors, or rims as it can affect performance. 5 precautions when using bike spray on suspension components are:
1. Make Sure The Components Are Clean And Free Of Debris
Make sure the components are clean and free of debris before applying the spray. Be sure to use the appropriate lubricant for the suspension part in question. Use a cloth, brush, or sponge to apply the spray to suspension parts rather than spraying directly onto the components themselves. Be careful not to spray lubricant on brake pads, rotors, etc., as this could affect performance
2. Use A Clean, Lint-Free Cloth Or Applicator
The applicator should be new and free of contaminants. If you want to use a clean, lint-free cloth or applicator to apply the bike spray, then you may want to consider using a separate one for each application. This way you can avoid the risk of transferring any contaminants from one cloth or applicator to another.
Additionally, it is important to remember that some bicycle sprays may contain chemicals that could be harmful if applied directly to your skin. So, it is best to use these sprays in a well-ventilated area and/or wear protective gloves and eye protection when applying them.
3. Apply The Spray In A Well-Ventilated Area &Wear Eye Protection
Apply the spray in a well-ventilated area and wear eye protection if necessary. Deodorant sprays are available in many different forms, including aerosol, gel, and liquid. They come in a variety of scents and concentrations, from mild to potent.
Some sprays can be applied directly to the skin while others must be used with a finger or a brush. Regardless of the form, most deodorant sprays work by repelling odor-causing bacteria and other microbes so that they are unable to reproduce in the underarm area.
Deodorants are primarily indicated for regular use as a preventative measure against odors. They do not eliminate existing odors but rather help to mask them. It is important to apply deodorant regularly throughout the day as part of your hygiene routine. You should also check with your doctor before using deodorant sprays if you have any concerns or allergies before applying them.
4. When Not To Use Bike Spray
Bike spray is a lubricant that is used to help suspension components move smoothly and frictionlessly. This is especially useful when the weather or terrain becomes dry or snowy. However, bike spray should not be used on suspension components as it may cause damage to the component and make them less efficient. Instead, you can use lubricants designed for suspension components.
Do not use lubricants designed for brakes, rotors, or rims as they may be difficult to stop or slow down. Instead, try using light engine oil to protect these parts from corrosion. Another option is WD-40, which is an environmental lubricant. It can be used on bearings and seals to prevent rusting. However, do not use bike chain lube as it can damage suspension components.
5. What To Avoid
Using bike spray can be a convenient way to clean your bike quickly and easily, but there are a few precautions you should take to ensure your bike parts stay clean and functional. When using a degreaser, avoid spraying it onto disc brake pads, rotors, or other delicate suspension components. Similarly, avoid using a high-pressure hose to wash your bike as this can cause damage to delicate components.
Also, don’t use bike spray on your adjusters on fully adjustable forks without applying light engine oil. Lastly, don’t forget to leave the suspension as it was before cleaning. By following these simple safety tips, you can enjoy the benefits of using bike spray without compromising the quality of your ride or your bike parts.
What Are The Potential Side Effects Of Using Bike Spray?
Using bike spray on suspension components can cause contamination and squeaky brakes. High-pressure washers and jet settings can cause dirt and debris to move into sensitive areas of the bike and wash away grease from bearings. Bike-specific degreasers should be used when cleaning the drivetrain and should be allowed to soak for atones.
Using lube with high levels of viscosity can attract dust, reducing the life of expensive components. Applying bike-specific protectors and corrosion inhibitors can reduce the chance of dirt adhering to washes and keeping components clean and lubricated.
Avoid using bike spray on parts that are under constant torque, such as brake rotors or bearings, as it may cause irreparable damage. Additionally, never use bike sprays on carbon parts, as they are not designed for use with sprays. Instead, use a degreaser or solvent-based cleaners on these parts. Also, keep bike sprays out of reach of children, as they can be harmful if ingested or inhaled.
Conclusion
Bike spray is an all-natural lubricant that helps reduce friction and prolong the life of suspension components. It also protects against rust and corrosion, as well as extends the lifespan of suspension parts. If you are wondering which bike spray to buy, read our review on top bike sprays to get started. Besides, avoid the aforementioned precautions while using bike spray to ensure safety.
By now you must have understood how to use bike spray on suspension components. Bike spray is not an easy-to-use product and requires special handling techniques to use safely. If you follow the safety tips given above, you should be able to use bike spray with ease.
However, it is essential that you learn safe handling techniques from a certified technician or an industry expert first. Besides, it is also vital that you keep reading up-to-date with the latest trends in bike technology and vehicle maintenance for better results.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1.How Do You Apply Lubricant Suspension?
Ans: To apply lubricant suspension, clean the bike frame with a damp or dry rag before applying lube. Lubricate the bike chain, brake and derailleur levers, brake/derailleur cables and assemblies, and points on which the individual parts pivot to prevent rust.
2.How Do I Lubricate My Front Bike Suspension?
Ans: Clean the suspension with a rag and add a few drops of light engine oil to the rebound adjusters on the forks. Polish your bike with a good quality bike polish to give it a showroom appearance. Apply lubricant to the chain by holding the nozzle at the chain and squeezing gently while pedaling backward. Allow the lube to soak into the chain for about 5 minutes before adding lube to the cassette or shifting.
3.What Is The Best Bike Spray To Use On Suspension Components?
Ans: If you want to keep your bike suspension components in great shape, then you should use one of the following spray options.
- Bike Protect
- Muc-Off Bike Protect Suspension Post Wash Maintenance Spray 500ml
- MO-94
- Dry wax
4.Does A Bike Spray Need Any Other Lubricants Besides Water?
Ans: Although water is the most common lubricant that bike spray enthusiasts use, there are other options that can be effective as well. Bike-specific degreasers and dry wax are both effective lubricants for bikes. MO-94 spray can be used to lubricate and protect moving parts on a bike.
5.Is It Safe To Use A Bike Spray On My Front Fork And Rear Shock Absorber?
Ans: There is no harm in using bike spray on your front fork and rear shock absorber, as long as you use it sparingly and avoid spraying it directly onto brake calipers, brake pads, or rotors.
