Spoke problems

[flykawasaki]

I have been having recurring problems with my spokes getting froze up so that they can't be tightened. This happened a few months ago on my rear tire and I had to replace all the spokes (this is a fairly unpleasant task :uh: especially when you can't turn them). I seem to really stretch my spokes alot. I am an agressive 180 pound rider so maybe that's normal. But anyhow last night I was tightening my spokes and several were froze up again. I sprayed WD40 on them then clamped a vice grip on the spoke and turned the nipple back and forth to free them. 1 ended up breaking off from the fatigue. I think the root cause may be the steel spokes and aluminum nipples get corroded together like many other bolts on the bike :think . I think the spokes were White Borthers. Has anyone else had these problems and if so have you found superior spokes or better techniques?

 

[BEEF706]

Hey flyin, I haven't had the problem yet on a motorcycle (been lucky) but have on mountain bikes, when I build a bicycle wheel I use a material called "spoke prep" from Wheelsmith, basically it's kinda like assmbly lube but with some anit loosening properties as well. It might be worth a try, I have had the problemms you describe come up on bike wheels built without it.

 

[Jeff Gilbert]

It seems every spoke on every bike I've ever owned were frozen. Fortunately I never had a problem that they needed adjusted or replaced. The reason I know they were frozen is I tried tightening to the same pitch, since they wouldn't turn I just left them alone.

 

[jharmon]

Try Anti-Seize. It's a lubricant you put on bolts or nuts for machinery that prevents the bolts from seizing (or freezing) on to the nut. I've used it before and never had a problem with my spokes. You can get this Anti-Seize from a hardware store or even Autozone. I think the cost is less than $15.

Anti-Seize also works great for the nuts and bolts of your car tires, that's how I found out about it.

Good Luck!

 

[flykawasaki]

Yeah, I have some anti seize lubricant. I am doubting how effective it will be on the spokes because they are exposed to dirt, water, and power washing.
I'll try it though.

Has anyone found a good manufacturer for spokes.

 

[rollingp]

Dude try the anti seize it works.
I have been using it for years on spokes.