Oil traces on my Rohloff hub
There are oil traces on my Rohloff hub drain screw. Is this normal, and do I need to do anything about it?
Answer:
This is completely normal. Rohloff internal gear hubs operate in a sealed oil bath system. Due to temperature fluctuations (e.g., warm weather) or regular use, a minimal amount of oil vapor (“oil sweating”) can seep out around the hub housing seals, drain screw, or axle, causing dust to cling to the area.
This phenomenon is perfectly normal and does not require immediate servicing. It does not affect the function or lifespan of the hub.
What should you do?
- Cleaning: Wipe the area clean using a soft cloth and a mild degreaser or glass cleaner spray.
- Checking the drain screw (Optional): If the seepage is around the drain screw, you may gently tighten it using an Allen key (by a maximum of 1/4 turn). This is usually unnecessary, and overtightening should be avoided.
- Oil top-up: Do not add oil. The amount of oil lost through sweating is negligible. The remaining oil film on the internal gears ensures safe operation for thousands of kilometers.
