My chain is extremely dirty and I want to clean it. I know I could hit it with brake parts cleaner... but I have a feeling this probably is not what you want to do.

So how should I go about doing so?

 

i have this thing called the grunge brush and i dip that into some kerosene and start brushing the chain.

 

WD40 and a rag/brush to clean.

Chain lube/wax afterwards.

Watch out not to get any on your tires.


Modified by marmaladeboy at 12:00 AM 11/17/2005

 

+2 on the Grunge cleaner.

 

How much do those Grunge Brushes set you back? I've been using a scrubby brush...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladeboy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">WD40 and a rag/brush to clean.

Chain lube/wax afterwards.

Watch out not to get any on your tires.


Modified by marmaladeboy at 12:00 AM 11/17/2005</TD></TR></TABLE>

I was told that wd40 had properties that swell up rubber so O rings and such

My method and (countless others I believe)

Kerosene, and a scourer (the stuff you use to wash up in kitchens, found on the back of sponges) & toothbrush or paint brush with the bristles cut to about 1/2 inch

Any way scrape of as much gunk as you can, dip scourer in kero jack up rear wheel and wrap around chain and HAND TURN the wheel, dont chuck it in 1st and do it that way, you'll lose fingers, repeat.

Get brush tooth/paint and get to work scrubbing the chain with kero, turn wheel, repeat.

Rinse off the chain with water from a hose, dont blast it, just let the flow of water rinse away the kero

Take bike out for 10 minute ride

Chain is now dry and warm, jack rear back up use lube/wax of your choice lightly coat chain (if you heap it on it just attract more dirt and makes the job harder for next time) rotate rim and apply till done.

Repeat every 500km

Finish




Modified by snowman95 at 5:05 AM 11/17/2005

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladeboy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">WD40 and a rag/brush to clean.

Chain lube/wax afterwards.

Watch out not to get any on your tires.


Modified by marmaladeboy at 12:00 AM 11/17/2005</TD></TR></TABLE>

this is how i clean mines.

 

Might have spoken too soon

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
This is an international / universal topic. Every bike forum I belong too has had a thread. So with that in mind...

WD40 / CRC what ever you want to call it will not harm your chain, o rings (which are made from a nitrile rubber compound resistant to oils and petroleum products) or paint work if it splatters on it.

The protective qualities of WD40 etc are no better than any other type of chain lube in the dry. Much wet weather can dilute WD40 more so that the chain wax type in winter.

Where WD40 does have an advantage is in reducing friction - try it your self, spray a bit of chain wax on your finger and rub - then try WD40.

The MOST IMOPRTANT thing in lubing your chain to to lube it!! Frequency and application is more important than what you use. A dry chain will wear much quicker full stop.

I've been using WD40 in summer and chain wax in winter - lubing every 700 - 1000km for over 10 years and regularly get over 30,000km out of the chain and sproket set. </TD></TR></TABLE>

 

yeah, my dad grew up in Northern Iowa, racing dirt bikes and snowmobiles, hes been a motor head his whole life to an extent. Always fixes his own vehicles, and used to be a jet mechanic, and was one in the Navy.

He has always told me WD40 wont hurt my chain, and that people have been using it on everything from chainsaws to go karts.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by snowman95 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Might have spoken too soon

</TD></TR></TABLE>

Very good info, i was just about to spout out.

WD40 damaging O-rings is a myth.

Good thread, i like the grunge brush.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladeboy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">WD40 and a rag/brush to clean.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Same here.

 

When the chain is already warm, I use WD40 and a brush. When it's warm the grease comes off easier.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by backlash &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">When the chain is already warm, I use WD40 and a brush. When it's warm the grease comes off easier.</TD></TR></TABLE>

that's how i do it.... clean chain + sprocket looks great!

 

rearstand, wd40 and a rag + a warm chain. keep spinning the wheel around until the chain is clean again, then spray with maxima. let it sit for about 15 minutes then go riding.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by PrecisionH23a &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">My chain is extremely dirty and I want to clean it. I know I could hit it with brake parts cleaner... but I have a feeling this probably is not what you want to do.

So how should I go about doing so?</TD></TR></TABLE>

If its disgusting then soak it in diesel overnight then blow with an airline before usng chainlube. All chainlubes are best if left overnight before use despite what the maunfacturers claim. Oh and scottoilers are the greatest if you want to save your chain...


http://www.scottoiler.com/

 

WD40 with an old toothbrush then I ride it around to warm up the o rings then lube it up.