Advice for oils to lube scooter

[tominbmore]

Hi all,

I have engine oil for my 49cc TGB scooter (R50x, 2007), but I realized it is probably a good time for me to learn how I can go about lubing the other parts of the scooter.  

I know there is brake fluid, for example.  Where do I locate the container to tell if it is running low?
Also, is there a "gear oil" I should be buying?

I ask because I know there are parts underneath, by the front wheel/suspension/brakes/steering, and also parts back where the gears are, that probably will need tending to.  I have had the scooter for several months and I suspect my time is due.  For example, when I wheel the scooter on the street (not turned on), I hear a slightly coarse sound at the front wheel.  My gut tells me I shouldn't really be hearing anything at all.

Any advised on how to DO the lubing of the various parts, also greatly appreciated!

T.

[Jwhood]

You most likely need brake pads
Or your bearings in your front wheels are going bad

[Elektrey]

I have the same scooter and when I roll it it makes a slight rubbing sound almost squeaking but I think its just the belt as it rides fine.

To check brake fluid level you can look in the side of the handlebar underneath the cover there is a small round transparent hole with a level marking. I can't really see much in mine so if you cant either take the front handlebar cover off and you will find the reservoirs. unscrew the tops and see how filled they are.

[Upgrayedd]

Your final drive likely wants a 75W90 or 80W90 gear oil for a drain and fill. (conventional or synthetic) there's all sorts of brands out there. im sure there's a writeup on the forum here on how to change out the oil in the rear end, it is very easily done (one bolt out to drain it, one bolt out to fill it) simple and clean cut. I like to change mine after a drive so the oil is warmed up, and flows (drains) better.

For lubing things like a speedo cable, brake cable, axles, etc.. probably folks have their own different greases they use. I use a multipurpose marine lithium grease on my stuff, I'm pretty sure any standard grease will do the job. Cables can be lubed by applying grease to the wire ends and working the cable.

The front brake has a reservoir up top attached to the brake lever. It doesnt hold much fluid, I do not recall whether mine specifies dot 3 or 4... but Valvoline has a brake fluid that's specced for 3 + 4, easy enough to use it in all vehicles really, that way you dont have brake fluid sitting around getting old. Common fluids between vehicles can be very handy. Front brake is easily gravity bled by working the lever _lightly_ so as not to squirt fluid out of the top of reservoir with cap off. it will bubble up, and youll eventually feel the lever get quite stiff as the air comes up, and out. Brake fluid will mar up a paint job if it spills and pools/sits on paint for any length of time, so I toss a big old work towel up over everything under the res. when servicing. Try and keep from getting dirt/sand/debris in the brake system - a clean brake system ensures a long life for the parts.

[tominbmore]

Thanks guys! Great pointers.