WD-40 for cleaning chain?

[KAI]

I saw the link about cleaning your chain with kerosene but I've been reading that WD-40 is better? Was just wondering for those that use it, how do you clean your chains with that? DO you just spray the wd on and brush it off with one of those metal brushes? How do you get the chain to completely dry when using wd40 as a cleaner? I'm at 800 miles and would like to clean the chain but never did this before and just want to make sure I do it right. The dealership gave me a can of chain lube so all I need to do now is just clean it

[300Busa]

I spray it onto a rag and wipe it down. I wouldn't soak it in WD.

[Supergank1]

i wouldn`t use a metal brush, might damage the o-rings...i use an old toothbrush .

[Charlesbusa]

I don't know if its better. But with wd-40 and a rage, cleaning and lubing every 300miles, I got over 30,000miles on my stock chain and sprockets. And I don't ride like a grandma either...

[KAI]

And when applying the lube, do you just spray on and leave it? I saw in the link how he says to carefully wipe off the excess but wasn't sure if I should just leave it there and wipe whatever flies off after I ride it for the first time.

[fstbusa]

you are just using it to soak up some of the grime so you can wipe all the grime off. I myself use kerosene and a nylon brissel grundge brush. after I'm done soaking and scrubbing I wipe it all off with a rag and then wait till it dries and then lube it up.

[hillbilly]

Motorex is the best stuff I have ever used. It leaves the chain slick and clean. Just spray it on and wait a few minutes and wipe it off. No fuss no muss. WD40 works pretty well but it has a lot of water in it and I don't want to get it between the links before I spray it down with chain wax. I don't use chain lube as it's messy. Got almost 10k miles on the bike now and only 3 chain adjustments so far. The key is to keep it clean and avoid rust.





http://www.kneedraggers.com/details....16.html

[bigoltool]

My chain has never seen anything but WD-40 and I have over 16k on it with tons of life left! Rollers all look great, all o-rings are still in great shape and I can barely pull it away from the rear sprocket on the back side. I give it a shot after practically every ride and when it is really grungy I will hose it down pretty good, hit it with a grunge brush and then an old toothbrush just to make sure everything is loosened up. Wipe it down really good and hit it with another shot.Say what you want about it but WD-40 is great stuff, cleans up easy and can be found anywhere.

The best chain lube you can find is the one you use all the time regardless of the brand though.

[KAI]

Sounds good guys. Thanks a bunch for the info.

[BusaWizard]

I clean mine with Kerosene then spray it down with WD-40, wipe it down ride it and get the chain warm, then I use 3M teflon Multi purpose Lubricant.

[SSIN]

I haven't done a thing to my chain in 24,000 klm.
And it's still working like a champ.

[metric03]

Originally Posted by fstbusa @ Jul. 27 2008, 6:55 PM

you are just using it to soak up some of the grime so you can wipe all the grime off. Â*I myself use kerosene and a nylon brissel grundge brush. Â*after I'm done soaking and scrubbing I wipe it all off with a rag and then wait till it dries and then lube it up.

kerosene has excellent penetrating capabilities and cleans up grime well, use a soft bristle brush and soak a rag with kerosene to clean the chain, a rear stand helps alot, after aplying the lube let it sit for about ten minutes and clean off things like you swingarm and sprocket.

[rpm9001]

wd40 for cleaning! but use chain lube to lube the chain. I clean everything with wd40, it is by far the best cleaner for greasy parts. Also works wonders on brake dust. 1 swipe and the wheels are clean.

[Austin007]

wd40 will never touch any of my chains. kerosene only. that's my recommendation. my 2c.

[In10SS]

Originally Posted by Austin007

wd40 will never touch any of my chains. kerosene only. that's my recommendation. my 2c.

+1 I've been cleaning my chains with kerosene for over 30 years. I've owned at least 1 bike for every one of those years. I've only purchased 4 replacement chains in all of that time. 11 of my 14 bikes were purchased new, but you get the idea. I have used wd40 many times to wipe off excess stuff, but never sprayed it onto the chain. It is a penetrating lubricant and if it gets past the o-ring it will degrade the existing grease. No question though that it is a great cleaner, and dirt/grime is what will kill the o-rings.

[Busa_Nick]

Originally Posted by rpm9001

wd40 for cleaning! but use chain lube to lube the chain. I clean everything with wd40, it is by far the best cleaner for greasy parts. Also works wonders on brake dust. 1 swipe and the wheels are clean.

You really use WD40 on your wheels

[Busa_Nick]

Originally Posted by Austin007

wd40 will never touch any of my chains. kerosene only. that's my recommendation. my 2c.

I use WD40 on squeeky doors in my house, and thats about all I will be using it for, not on the chain. There is a reason that there are special products out there to use for the chain. WD40 seems alittle generic for me, and believe me I am not knocking anyone who uses it, but if you were to call WD40 and talk to a certified WD40 specialist, LoL, who knows what they would say...Just messin' with you guys, clean your chain regularly, not too often though.

[dalynchmob4]

WD about every 600 - 800 miles

[Vic_E55_2001]

Originally Posted by Busa_Nick

You really use WD40 on your wheels

WD40 was designed as cleaner, I use it everywhere, My Stainless Steel appliances looks new.

[Busa_Nick]

Whatever works, as long as no damage is being caused.