[Boatanchors] vernier thread - degreasing solvent.

[BLIMPY]

some great advice given already.
over-tightening any bearing will give it that stiff lumpy feeling, and do 
permanent damage.

yup.. WD-40 is a solvent, not a lubricant.

ACE paint thinner... is the classic old Stoddard Solvent, which was and is 
used by every auto mechanic for de-greasing.  Maybe $ 5 a gallon.

It is extremely cheap compared to anything in spray cans, or etc.  Perfect 
for this kind of thing.

Not the best thing for rubber, but won't harm most plastics or enamel 
paints.

Best used in a space with decent ventilation.
If you have a wooden workbench.. use a rubber or plastic mat under your 
work.

If you use a metal can with a plastic lid ( like some soup cans)  dirt and 
stuff will settle to the bottom, and you dont have to continually toss out 
all your solvent.

I have some re-cycled I do intial clean up with.. then go to virgen stuff 
for the final rinse.  For something mechanical like this.

For a  chasis which is oily/greasy.. I just use the clean stuff, with paper 
towels and don't slop it around.