will WD-40 work as a chain lube?

[z315]

If not, what should I use to get get my chain for tip top shape? where can i get it?

[annguyen1981]

I believe WD-40 is only good as a cleaner...  Not a lube. Your local bike shop should have some chain lube for ya

[TragicImage]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO


No no no no no no no no no


No a million times!



Where do people get the idea that WD-40 is good for anything?



Maxima Chain Wax. Do it.

[pandy]

I use WD-40 to clean my wheels!  I use kerosene to clean my chain, and chain lube to lube it. 

[Alphamazing]

As noted before, WD-40 is mainly good as a chain cleaner, not as a lubricant. While it does have lubricating materials in it, they are not durable enough nor good enough to be used as chain lubrication. It's a great cleaner though, as it penetrates through oil and grease very efficiently. If you get a big 2 gallon can of it and a hand squirter bottle you don't need to worry about using up a full can of the stuff to clean the chain. Chain Wax is a great lubricant, in my opinion. It sprays on cleanly and easily, and the excess comes off without a problem. It's not too sticky nor too runny nor too thick. It's just right for me. Other options include motor oil, various other brands of chain lube, as well as heavy oils.

[Phaedrus]

Where do people get the idea that WD-40 is good for anything?

WD-40 is an amazing product and is good for a LOT of things 

It is obvious you live in a warm climate. Come to the north and you will learn how wonderful WD-40 is. I go through several cans a year.

As a motorcycle chain lube however, Alpha covered that part well. 

[john]

I use Maxima chain wax.

[roguegeek]

PJ1 Blue Label

[galahs]

Castrol Chain Lube 

[sledge]

WD40 Is not a suitable lubricant for motorcycle chains. Some people even question its suitability for cleaning purposes. I look at it this way.
A) Its a penetrant, and will find its way past close-fitting parts
B) It will dissolve small amounts of oil and grease.

WD40 advertise the fact its suitable for use on chains but also advertise the 2 points I listed above which to me make a contradiction!!!
Various individuals and forums all over the web have differing views on WD40 and chains and many are going to say they have used it for years to clean O and X ring chains with no ill effects but given the widely accepted facts above it cant be good for chains long-term. WD40 can be a good product for certain applications but personally I choose not to let it anywhere near chains or bearings.

[Ed_in_Az]

The point of O-ring chains is the sealing properties, yet so many people are concerned with spraying gooey crud on their chains. Is that crap actually expected to pass by the O-rings? It makes much better fling material to cover the back end of bikes.

Not only is WD40 excellent for cleaning, but when I broke free from spraying goo on chains, I used WD40 for 7 years on a Husky 390 dirt bike and had to replace the chain once. I used it for 9 years on a quad and both the chain and sprockets were fine when I sold it. Lastly I used it on my GS500 and again never had a problem. Plus, the machines stay much cleaner.

O-ring chains need to be kept clean and the light oiling of WD40 also keeps them rust free, flexible, and WILL PENETRATE to expel any water.

[annguyen1981]

The point of O-ring chains is the sealing properties, yet so many people are concerned with spraying gooey crud on their chains. Is that crap actually expected to pass by the O-rings? It makes much better fling material to cover the back end of bikes.

Not only is WD40 excellent for cleaning, but when I broke free from spraying goo on chains, I used WD40 for 7 years on a Husky 390 dirt bike and had to replace the chain once. I used it for 9 years on a quad and both the chain and sprockets were fine when I sold it. Lastly I used it on my GS500 and again never had a problem. Plus, the machines stay much cleaner.

O-ring chains need to be kept clean and the light oiling of WD40 also keeps them rust free, flexible, and WILL PENETRATE to expel any water.

So Ed...  You're not lubing your chains anymore???  Based on your experience here, I will go the same route...  I'm sick of seeing the chain covered in goo cause the lube attracts and holds all the dirt and sand.

Do you still spray your chain with WD-40 every 600 miles like recommended?

[Ed_in_Az]

So Ed...  You're not lubing your chains anymore???  Based on your experience here, I will go the same route...  I'm sick of seeing the chain covered in goo cause the lube attracts and holds all the dirt and sand.

Do you still spray your chain with WD-40 every 600 miles like recommended?

Yep, all that dirt the goo attracts CANNOT be good for a chain.

I only lubed my bikes with O-Ring chains after a ride in the rain or a washing.

I'm now riding the dreaded Harley which uses a belt for the final drive. So unless I someday aquire an SV650(which I really like ) chains are no longer an issue (except for the HD primary chain which is internal in oil, with an external locknut adjuster).

[galahs]

I'm seriously considering the switch to WD-40 after reading some interesting info on a Yamaha forum.

Even a chain manufacturer said WD-40 is all that is needed for the most important factor is to keep the chain clean. There is sufficiently lubricated from inside the links (grease inside protected by the O-rings) and that no substance will get past the o-rings to disolve this grease.

So I'm taking this step cautiously, but the benefits of a cleaner chain (less grit to cause wear and tear) and less fling is very desirable.

[galahs]

HEre's the link to the Yamaha forum.

http://www.yamahafz1oa.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8987&highlight=WD-40+letter


and the letter about )-ring chain maintenance from Tsubaki

[manofthefield]

and the letter about )-ring chain maintenance from Tsubaki

Wow. So Tsubaki recommends WD-40?  ... And doesn't like kerosene?  That's weird cause the GS500 manual specifically states to use kerosene for chain cleaning IIRC

[galahs]

Such a confusing topic!


I was thinking of cleaning  my chain with kero, then just wipe my chain with a rag soaked in WD-40 every couple of weeks.

If it doesn't pick up much dirt thats an extra bonus.

[Yankee Punker]

Such a confusing topic!


I was thinking of cleaning  my chain with kero, then just wipe my chain with a rag soaked in WD-40 every couple of weeks.

If it doesn't pick up much dirt thats an extra bonus.

It sure is confusing topic. 

Well I've use kerosene to clean, and chain wax for like ten years now and never had any chain problems, but I also put a new chain on when ever I get new tires just for peace of mind!
If anybody else as used WD-40 for that long and had no problems then I guess it probably does not matter!


   FYI   WD-40 = Water displacement 40th revision, its original purpose was for an industrial rust inhibitor

[scratch]

Poop!  I just bought a gallon of kerosene...it works great at cleaning most stuff, but the chain, I'm a little disappointed with...I may be switching to cleaning with WD40.    I'm still continuing with lubing with the Dumonde stuff, as I'm product testing it.

[LimaXray]

Hmm... the manual says to use kerosene to clean the chain, and only kerosene, and not any 'other' solvents... I always assumed 'other' meant things like WD-40, as I've been under the impression it will break down some rubbers and plastics... 

I just use kerosene and a tooth brush followed by some chain wax and it works just great