(06-04-2022, 04:21 PM)Hoodoo Creek Wrote: Hello everyone and thank you so much for having me!
I have an older Columbia 3 wheeler adult tricycle and she has a differential, somewhat like a car. I wanted to open up the differential for cleaning and oiling but cannot find any info on her, as to how much oil to add, and where the oil fill point is. Can anyone help me in this endeavor? I'd really love to get her going but don't want to risk damage. Thank you in advance!
How old is your bike? Do you know what the model/serial number is? There is a good chance that the gear reducer is a sealed unit that does not require
preventative maintenance, and should only be serviced (if possible) during malfunction by a qualified mechanic. That being said, I have taken apart many "sealed"/"unserviceable" assemblies on automobiles and other devices (mechanical, and electronic) and was able to conduct an inspection and/or service of that part.
Given the type of part you are talking about (do you have any photos?), I would think that if it required routine oiling there would be some sort of port designed for the owner to conduct that service. If no port is available it makes me tend to think that the manufacturer intended it to be left alone. It is not uncommon to see oil/grease ports on older bikes primarily before the 1980s (on hubs, bottom bracket assy's, etc.); but for the most part newer bikes are utilizing sealed bearing assemblies that theoretically cannot be lubricated and the part must be changed out (either the entire assy., or the bearings separately).
It may still be possible to contact Columbia and request a service manual, or schematic blow-up diagram of your part; or ythey may have it available online. More than likely Columbia does not manufacture the part, and you may need to find out who the actual part manufacturer is and look them up the see if they can provide any guidance.
If you have the tools and feel confident working on it (also, it's not under warranty) then go ahead and tear it open. I doubt that it is too complex, but beware of very small pieces that might easily be lost in the process of disassembly.
Ultimately, if it is not giving you any trouble during operation I would tend to leave it alone unless it is on a very old bike and you expect to use it regularly and you want a little piece of mind when out on the road.