An internal gear hub hides the gears inside the rear hub shell, so it is often seen as almost maintenance-free. Yet moisture still finds its way in: through the cable entry, the shifting mechanism on the axle and the seals, especially after washing, wet rides and damp storage. Winter adds road salt and condensation from temperature swings.
The symptoms are familiar: stiff shifting, slipping gears and a gritty feel. A few simple steps after every wash and wet ride are enough to prevent them.
What you will need
Important: Do not wash the hub with a pressure washer or pour any product into the hub shell: you could wash out the factory lubricant inside. Leave dismantling and internal relubrication to a bike workshop.
Step 1
Wash the bike without pressure
Wet the bike, apply a mild cleaning agent, go over the frame, wheels and hub area with a sponge and rinse with clean water from a low-pressure hose. Do not aim the water directly at the hub seals or the shifting mechanism.
Step 2
Dry the bike thoroughly
Wipe everything dry with a clean cloth. Pay particular attention to the hub shell, the shifting mechanism on the axle, the cable entry and the axle nuts: that is where water lingers longest. Leave the bike in a warm room so hard-to-reach areas can dry out.
Step 3
Drive moisture out of the external parts
Once the bike is dry, apply a small amount of WD-40 Multi-Use to the shifting mechanism on the axle, the cable end and where it enters the housing, and the axle nuts. It drives moisture out of small gaps and protects metal from rust. Leave it a few minutes, then wipe the area with a dry cloth until completely dry.
Run through all the gears while turning the pedals so the cable and mechanism move freely.
Step 4
Lubricate the chain
The chain on a hub-geared bike suffers from moisture too. Apply WD-40 Bike Wet Chain Lube to the inner side of the chain while turning the pedals, give it a few minutes to penetrate and wipe off the excess.
Step 5
Watch for signs of water inside
If, after riding through a deep puddle or long storage in damp conditions, the gears slip, the hub feels gritty or shifting does not recover after drying, water has probably got inside the shell. In that case, take it to a workshop to have the hub dismantled, dried and refilled with the lubricant the manufacturer recommends.
Tip: In winter, store the bike in a dry room with a steady temperature: sudden moves from frost to warmth create condensation precisely inside sealed components.
What next
Treat the external parts after every wash and every ride in the rain or on salted roads. A WD-40 Smart Straw with its precision straw makes it easy to reach the shifting mechanism.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».