Chain cleaning

Message

flw · #1 Unread post by **flw** » Tue Mar 31, 2009 7:40 am

I can't remember and need a reminder. I need to clean my chain before waing it.

For the chain can I use either brake parts cleaner or WD40 (cleaning only not for lube) ? Sorry but I can't remember.

Afterwards I have Chain wax for the lube.

Ducky · #2 Unread post by **Ducky** » Tue Mar 31, 2009 8:09 am

Just my 2 cents, but I would not use brake parts cleaner to clean a chain. If you clean a chain regularly, it should not need "brake parts cleaner strength" to remove gunk. I use a little wd40 but I dont spray it directly on the chain. I'm pretty sure the brake parts cleaner (and wd40 for that matter) is destructive to the O rings in your chain. I spray wd40 on a rag and wipe it clean. It takes me a decent amount of time, but a well maintained chain gives you a better ride and thats a huge priority for me.

JDawg117 · #3 Unread post by **JDawg117** » Tue Mar 31, 2009 10:32 am

How often should you clean the chain?

Tue Mar 31, 2009 11:25 am

I clean roughly every 2-4 lubes. Just depends how much gunk builds up on it and how many logs I ride over.

flw · #5 Unread post by **flw** » Tue Mar 31, 2009 2:03 pm

Well its clean now. Cost a couple hours, toothbrush and a sore back/knee's. Well worth it as it is clean as new again.

Now I'm torn if I should wax it as I have or just oil it. Wax just attracts any and all dirt particles like a magnet unlike plain chain oil.

Tue Mar 31, 2009 3:21 pm

flw wrote:Cost a couple hours,

Wow- I can make mine sparkle in about 20 minutes if I'm being ana. I normally clean in five minutes though. Toothbrush and kerosene.

The best protection is gear oil, the easiest and longest lasting has been maxima chain wax gold for me. It doesn't seem to attract more than any other spray with the exception of dupont teflon- but the teflon doesn't seem to protect nearly as well.

flw · #7 Unread post by **flw** » Tue Mar 31, 2009 5:07 pm

storysunfolding wrote:
flw wrote:Cost a couple hours,
Wow- I can make mine sparkle in about 20 minutes if I'm being ana. I normally clean in five minutes though. Toothbrush and kerosene.

The best protection is gear oil, the easiest and longest lasting has been maxima chain wax gold for me. It doesn't seem to attract more than any other spray with the exception of dupont teflon- but the teflon doesn't seem to protect nearly as well.

When I clean I tend to use the addage "slow but steady wins the race" and I have a bad back so I can only do 20 minutes and then break.

I also cleaned up someother area's at the back of the bike. But yes I'm slow when I work on my bike and a fear of breaking something or making a bigger mess than I had at the start.