Chain cleaning.

[jazerr]

Pantablo's page talks about using wd40 to clean and lube. Is tri-flo alright? Its the stuff I use on my mountain bike chain to keep the chain clean dispite all the dust and grime that gets kicked up.

[Turd Ferguson]

I can't see why not.  I don't prefer thin lubes such as WD-40 (not a lube anyways...) and Tri-Flo.  I feel that they cause too much "fly off" and don't hold up as long.  I use WD-40 to CLEAN my chain and then I use Champion Chain Lube.  Then again, its all personal preference.

You should try Ice Wax or something similar on your mountain bike chain.  Being an avid bicyclist, I can tell you that Tri-Flo is horrible for a chain lube.  It cakes up extremely bad and causes accelerated chain wear.  After trying about 10 lubes on all 8 of my bikes, I use Ice Wax pretty much exclusively.  Tri-Flo is a great cable and derailleur lube though.

-Turd.

[jazerr]

good to know. Many thanks.

For the cleaning...pantablo's page suggests just popping the bike up on the center-stand and using wd40 and wiping. If I get a proper chain lube, what is the method for application?

[Turd Ferguson]

If you search on this site...you'll find about 12,344,444.2 answers to that question.  But...that's just the problem...you'll find no "right" answer.  Everyone seems to have their own methods for lubing the chain.  I'll give you mine; others can chime in and give their method.

I throw the bike up on the center stand in neutral and throw some sort of container below the chain to catch drips.  I also put a few dirty towels over my rear wheel/components as best I can to keep WD-40 and Chain lube from getting all over them.  I then use WD-40 liberally on the chain with a toothbrush to help knock the old grease and road grime loose.  I work my way around the chain until I've scrubbed it all, then I ditch the toothbrush and just spray the chain with WD-40 again to rinse most of the dirt off of it.  I'll usually use a clean rag to wipe the dirt and dripping WD-40 off.  I will then use Champion Chain Lube (or other similar heavy lube) to lube the chain.  I will hold a rag behind the chain to catch any lube that misses or splatters off.  I use the spray nozzle attachment and I'll spray a 6" section at a time.  Then I'll rotate the rear wheel to expose another 6", and so on.  Once I'm done I'll make sure there is not an excessive amount of lube on any part of the chain, as it will just fly off on your first ride anyways.

Remember that these chains are "O-ring" style chains.  The chain is internally lubed and sealed.  The lube you are applying is only to keep the chain from rusting and to provide a bit of lubrication between the sprockets and chain.

Yeah, I'm a mechanical engineer and, thus, rather anal.  It takes me 35 minutes to make a peanut butter sandwich.  Gotta get that damn peanut butter applied evenly!

-Turd.

[calamari]

and I was going to make a video (still have the RAW DV footage) about the procedure, but some said it was too simple of a task for a how-to video 

[LPC2104]

In addition to Turd's (hehe) advice, it's a good idea to ride the bike for about 10 minutes prior to cleaning the chain.  Also, please don't get lazy and use the engine to rotate the chain, it's a good way to lose a finger.  Just prop it up on the center and use rotate the tire manually to rotate the chain.

[Cal Price]

I've always been a believer in "Use what you have"

[Turd Ferguson]

In addition to Turd's (hehe) advice, it's a good idea to ride the bike for about 10 minutes prior to cleaning the chain.  Also, please don't get lazy and use the engine to rotate the chain, it's a good way to lose a finger.  Just prop it up on the center and use rotate the tire manually to rotate the chain.

Ah!  Good advice, two important things I forgot.  Its easier to clean a warm chain.  And never try the "1st gear" lube trick!

And yes...my name is funny.  Giggle giggle!

-Turd.

[dgyver]

....Also, please don't get lazy and use the engine to rotate the chain, it's a good way to lose a finger.....

That happen to a member here. Cut his thumb off.

[Dr. Love]

Tri-flo smells good too... but in my experience aren't good for long term.

[flyingbeagle71]

Not trying to start a fight, I'm really interested in what everybody thinks on this...

I thought WD40 was supposed to be really bad for our O-ring type chains, something about it eating the O-rings and allowing the lube to escape.  The manual recommends kerosine to clean and a heavy weight oil to lube....

If WD really isn't bad for the chain, I'd use it in a second.  I really blasts through the crap under the sprocket cover, so I bet it cleans a chain really well...

[NiceGuysFinishLast]

Search for WD40 or WD-40. You'll see where nobody conclusively proves or disproves the corrosive action of WD40 on an o-ring chain. Many here have used it for years with no problems, so I do the same. To each his own.

[MarkusN]

Strong solvents (acetone, thinner...) are not good for O-rings.

WD-40, while quite good at dissolving grease, is not really a strong solvent. It is formulated to be gentle on many materials. I would use WD-40 on an O-ring chain without even blinking.

It is expensive stuff to use for a job that diesel does just as well, though.

[Turd Ferguson]

WD-40 is kerosene based, so no worries there.  Kerosene and some other petroleum products will cause the O-rings to swell; maybe this is what you are referring to flyingbeagle?  Some people advise not riding the bike for a while after using such a cleaner because the o-ring can swell up.  Riding can cause it to snag, wear or other things.  I personally doubt that WD-40 would cause such excessive swelling that damage could be done.

-Turd.

[makenzie71]

I'd post proof that WD40 doesn't effect O-rings but my webspace isn't adequate enough to hold a 24 hour video (if you'd believe it without seeing it I could just tell you I accidently left a chain in WD40 for 3 days and it didn't hurt anything and the case would be closed).

I don't like using WD40 as a lube, though...it requires attention too often to keep it nice and oily.  I like using used motor oil (gives me a reason to not go to the recycle joint everytime I change my oil).  I clean the chian with WD and them wipe it down, then squirt some motor oil on and go.  Do it once every couple weeks...every few days with my roller chains (which are total pimps).

[flyingbeagle71]

I thought I had read something about WD40 in the Owners Manual, but after reviewing it's not in there.  It does warn about using "gasoline or other commercial cleaning solvents" as it can "damage O-rings and ruin the chain." (pg 7-17 of the '04 Owners Manual)  I'm not sure where I read about WD40 specfically being bad, maybe on DID's website...    Doesn't really matter though, I'll take real world experience anyday.

It is expensive stuff to use for a job that diesel does just as well, though.

Kinda agree with MarkusN though, diesel and a shop towel does a really good job cleaning the chain... 

[galahs]

The was a reply from our chain manufacturer some time ago that stated their recommended service was to clean with WD-40.

Nothing more, nothing less