Looks to just be dirt and dust that’s sticking to the grease coming from the bearings. Some greases will lose their viscosity and turn into oil when it’s hot. If it were me, I’d spray it with some water and use a shop towel to “floss” it out, and keep an eye on it in the future.
humble_rumble_ on
I second what SAC said. Bikes are also assembled quickly and it’s not unusual for excess grease to collect there. It’s a good sign however , lots of headset bearings are just chucked in with no grease. And that’s a recipe for a ride ruining creak… Creak… Creak….
ResistanceIsOhm on
Paste/grit is correct. It’s a slurry of grease and dirt/dust. Builds up over time.
New_Romantix on
Thanks all for the gut check. I assume it’s not an immediate “fix now or it will ruin your bike” issue?
PiggypPiggyyYaya on
That’s dirt mixed with grease. That’s inevitable if you use you’re bike.
WrenchHeadFox on
I like to cut small strips of t shirt material to “floss” places like this.
7 Comments
Dirt
Looks to just be dirt and dust that’s sticking to the grease coming from the bearings. Some greases will lose their viscosity and turn into oil when it’s hot. If it were me, I’d spray it with some water and use a shop towel to “floss” it out, and keep an eye on it in the future.
I second what SAC said. Bikes are also assembled quickly and it’s not unusual for excess grease to collect there. It’s a good sign however , lots of headset bearings are just chucked in with no grease. And that’s a recipe for a ride ruining creak… Creak… Creak….
Paste/grit is correct. It’s a slurry of grease and dirt/dust. Builds up over time.
Thanks all for the gut check. I assume it’s not an immediate “fix now or it will ruin your bike” issue?
That’s dirt mixed with grease. That’s inevitable if you use you’re bike.
I like to cut small strips of t shirt material to “floss” places like this.