Best chain cleaning method?

cc123 · Geez a joab? Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Karma :

Just wondering whats the best way to keep your chain in good shape?

I usually get a rag with WD40 on it, rub it down, get an old tooth brush into it also, then give it some chain lube to keep it fresh...

I destroyed my last chain (was in some state) and want this one to stay fresh. Is this an ok way to do it?

And another thing (I thought it was Renthal but it's a D.I.D.) It's a 525 chain. Is that more for track or road use....I seen something about chains somewhere else but unsure what it means?? Confused

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Git · Brolly Dolly Joined: 17 Dec 2003 Karma :

I use the same method for my chains but it would be worth mentioning that you do not want to soak the chain with wd40, it may just hurt the o rings over time, a light drizzle on a rag to clean the side plates is ok in my eyes but I really would avoid getting the o rings wet with wd.

headlamp · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 Nov 2003 Karma :

I find the best way to clean the chain is soak a rag in white spirit - clean the chain, wait for it all to evaporate then reapply the lube.
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Valver · World Chat Champion Joined: 31 Jan 2005 Karma :

WD40 is for your tyres and brake disks only!

Don't use it on your chain as it makes it slippery! Douh!

Sparks! · Sir Tart-a-lot Joined: 30 Aug 2003 Karma :

I've never ever cleaned a chain, I just replace it when it gets worn Laughing

but if I was going to do it then it'd be take the chain off and soak it in a bucket/tray of paraffin over night then scrub it a bit in the morning (in fresh paraffin!) then soak it in engine oil for ages, then apply some lubbbbbbbbbeeeee when it's fitted back on the bike.
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cagiva gezzer · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Mar 2003 Karma :

I find that fresh lube has enough solvent in it to shift all the gunk off the chain. Spray lube on, wipe it all off and re lube.
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Mr.Everready · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Mar 2003 Karma :

Paraffin and a tooth brush. Thumbs Up

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Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

I rarely clean chains, but then I tend to use oil to lube them, plenty of which flings off taking the grit with it.

I would not use WD40 to clean a chain. Personally I would use a toothbrush and a light oil (last time I used ATF).

All the best

Keith
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EuropeanNC30R... · Gay Hairdresser Joined: 20 Jun 2002 Karma :

One well-known chain manufacturer (can't remember which one) recommend using WD40 as a chain lube.

I believe 525 relates to the width of the chain. I'd expect that to fine, and probably OE, on a 600. As a comparison a lot of litre bikes have 530 pitch chains, and some 250's have 520. It's a popular mod for racers to go to a smaller size like 520 as there's marginally less weight and less transmission loss. Probably not a good idea for the road though.

cc123 · Geez a joab? Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Karma :

Why not WD40?

Where do I get ATF (dunno what that is) or parafin from. I only use the rag to get the crap off first then wipe most of the WD40 off before putting the lube on..

Is there anywhere else on the bike I should use WD40 to keep it from rotting? The bike is still pretty spotless even tho I've been out alot over the winter..
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Git · Brolly Dolly Joined: 17 Dec 2003 Karma :

A very debateable subject to use wd or not.
Some will happily use and report no problems, others will never use it as they have had problems, a bit like anything really, we all have our own personal thoughts and experiences with it.

cc123 · Geez a joab? Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Karma :

I think the old chain I took off must have been the OE judging by the state it was in, on of the things I didn't notice when I bought the bike but its a Gold DID chain on it now. Not sure if it's an X or O ring chain, does that matter either?

Just when I seen the bike last night before I went out. It was a tad dirty and I usually have it sparkling. Just cleaned it down.
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timmya · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 06 Jan 2005 Karma :

Mr.Everready · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Mar 2003 Karma :

You'll get paraffin from any hardware shop.
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Zx6man · Nova Slayer Joined: 30 Apr 2004 Karma :

Zx6man · Nova Slayer Joined: 30 Apr 2004 Karma :

Zoffo · Brolly Dolly Joined: 01 Feb 2005 Karma :

cc123 · Geez a joab? Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Karma :

Tis ok, I changed the spockets along with the chain. Thumbs Up

It's one area of the bike I take care and pride in keeping it tip top. I'm guessing it was the original chain on it, but how long do chains last normally. It had 16k miles so I'm guessing it was changed at some point before....

It also gets adjusted every 500 miles as per the owners manual.

The front sprocket was wasted when it came off. Made a HUGE difference when changed. Felt like I'd gained 10bhp!! Laughing

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Mantzy · Spanner Monkey Joined: 30 May 2004 Karma :

I'm all for fresh parrafin and then chain wax.

Or say bugger it and get a scottoiler
R
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Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

I used old engine oil to clean/relube mine when it was looking a bit sorry for itself.

Rip up some binbags so you don't get it all over the floor and then liberally slather the chain with used GPS using the washing up brush from the kitchen to get it right in between those links. Leave to soak while having lunch.

Wipe the worst off with kitchen roll, then run the bike (on the stand) and watch oil fling off everywhere.

Wipe oil off fairings and swingarm. Fetch bucket of hot soapy water and wash oil off rear tyre. Sweep sand over oil puddles on garage floor. Apply chain wax and purchase new washing up brush.

For all the mess, it worked a treat and I have refined the system since then. Wink

ian_s · Nova Slayer Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Karma :

I always have some gunk lying around for use on the cage. Will degrease with that and then apply some silkolene chain lube. It's only about £7 a can and lasts for ages.

hugo-a-gogo · Trackday Trickster Joined: 13 Feb 2004 Karma :

instigator · Super Spammer Joined: 19 Oct 2004 Karma :

Erm, I DO think it was a joke guys Laughing

kasandrich · Trackday Trickster Joined: 20 Oct 2004 Karma :

mattsmith95 · Traffic Copper Joined: 03 Oct 2004 Karma :

I never clean the chain, I just wear the bugger out, I don't really think cleaning the chain is worth it. Chains on my bikes last quite a long time which is why I don't bother cleaning them.

But I have been told this from many bikers, parrafin is the best way to clean a chain. Remove chain from bike and soak overnight, wipe it with an rag, let it dry and fit back on the bike, then lube up.