Hello fellow pedallers!!
I am not sure why the manufacturer drilled them there in the first place (as it's an unusual place to vent holes, but near the ends of my chainstays are a pair of frame holes that need to be sealed up from water and grime. Two bike shops have advised me to use a plug of silicon adhesive to block these holes.
Before I do so, I'm wondering if there might be later problems from doing so? Attracting muck to stick? Frame contraction in cold? Chemical reaction with alum frame?
(By the way, I yesterday neatly drilled a water drain hole under my BB, which has nothing to do with these other two that need sealing up!)
Are large blobs of pedal grease any more effective as an alternative sealent?
GBR.
Good question, got a similar problem on a Nuke TR frame where the dropper cable fits. No dropper yet so I'm having to use tape. Can't find a frame plug to fit.
They'll be to vent gases as the frame is welded.
How long do you think pedal grease will last in the holes? Personally it it was mine I'd probably try a dab of hotglue.
I'm guessing that pedal grease will not work for long, simply because it will not last in place more than a ride or two?
I've bought a small tube of silicon adhesive, but just want to be careful with using it.
Any tips folks?
GBR.
^ My tip on using silicon adhesive would be to be careful.
You're welcome.
Any tips folks?
Don't eat it.
Steel or ally HT frame? You might end up with either condensation corroding the inside or water filling the chain stays up from the BB end. Better off, if its a steel frame just giving the insides a coating of anti-corrosive car bodyshop wax. If it's alloy or Ti, just ignore it.
How about something like this
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/8mm-Solid-Red-Rubber-Stoppers-Bungs-Pk2-Laboratory-NEW-/110675643068?pt=UK_BOI_Medical_Lab_Equipment_Lab_Supplies_ET&hash=item19c4c84abc
As Aracer says they're to vent gases during welding.
What frame is it?
If it is alloy I'd leave it and if it is steel, I'd be more tempted to coat the insides of the frame with some kind of frame saver (?) coating, or a quirt of spray oil.
You don't want to trap liquid in the frame.
I've never plugged holes on any frame I've ever had and not had a problem. I have had bottom brackets die though because water gets down the seat tube and can't get out (no drain hole in the bb shell).
EDIT: hotflap beat me to it.
Houndlegs you're a star.
Personally. I wouldn't seal them up unless you are certain they are bone dry inside and that the seal is perfect.
Secondly, not all silicone sealants are made equal and most have some salts in, which won't react well with metals.
How big a hole are they to need 8mm bungs?
I'd just leave them, if you plug them water will find it's way in and just stay there adding weight and causing other problems.
I measure the hole to be 5mm dia. In a 7005 alum frame, at a nasty place where rear wheel water and crud will collect up.
I'm now wondering if a pair of small rubber plugs would be better?? As I say, two good shops advised silicon as "the best way"...
GBR.
My Orange Alpine 160 had them on the inside of the chain stays. I just used a bit of heli-tape and have had no problems in 3 years
The frame builder presumably didnt have an issue though?
Id be worried about water getting in through the BB and having nowhere to go.
Silicon will bung up the holes just fine. Baby bell wax works aswell especially if you have a red frame.