Please refer to our “Ski Adapter Maintenance” section on the “How To” videos for Lenz Skibikes page for detailed information.
It is recommended that you keep your adapter bolts, brass bushings in the knuckles, and the knuckle pads lubricated. We use a general, all-purpose bike grease in the shop, Finish Line Premium Grease. Another one that is good is Park Tool Polylube 1000. For the environmentally conscious person, Mountain Flow has a plant based grease. We personally have not yet used the Mountain Flow grease but it seems to have good reviews.
NOTE: When removing the adapter bolt, you will need an 8mm hex wrench and a 15mm socket. To help avoid stripping the head of the adapter bolt (or any bolt for that matter) use the allen wrench to hold the bolt stationary while loosening/tightening the nut with the socket.
When applying grease to the adapter bolts, clean the bolts as good as possible by removing any existing grease or rust. Apply a thin layer to the bolt. Before reinstalling the bolt, clean out the brass bushings on both sides of the knuckle (the metal block thing that the bolt goes through). To easily access the bushings, remove the adapter. Clean the inside of the bushing hole, then apply a thin layer of grease to the inside of the hole. Before putting the adapter back in place, clean the contact surface of the knuckle pad (the black hard rubber puck thing) and apply a thin layer of grease to the surface.
Making sure that the knuckle pad is securely back in place in the center of the adapter, put the adapter back in place on the knuckle, and put the axle back in. Make sure to tighten the nut as tight as you can get it.
**If you need to replace the bolts, you can purchase them HERE.
**If you need to replace the brass bushings, you can purchase them HERE.