WD-40 as chain cleaner?

[GNTurbo6]

I've been using WD-40 to clean my chains for a while now but I've been told that it isn't a good idea to use it because it makes the o-rings swell. Anyone ever have problems with this? I picked up some Motorex chain cleaner so I don't have to worry about it anymore but I was just curious if anyone has noticed any ill effects.

[DucDave]

I once heard....second or third hand...of an aircraft maintenance manager who wouldnt allow WD40 in his hanger at all. Having heard that I limit the use of WD40 to careful cleaning of my wheels.

I would pretty much disregard the above in favor of just about anyone elses more knowledgeable response...

[KillBill]

I've been using WD40 for a while now too....

[Kurlon]

I like WD40 for cleaning wheels, I use a paint tray and kerosene for cleaning chains.

[Jim]

i hate these threads. use kerosene, or an actual chain cleaner (like motorex 611)

[boloson]

u know what the best & cheapest stuff for chain cleaning & lube is??? dupont teflon spray. u can buy it at lowes for like $4. i heard wd40 dries out the o-rings

[Wishbone]

I use maxima chain wax. Spray it on after a ride and rub the chain clean with a rag. It cleans AND lubes all in one shot.

[Honclfibr]

For all intents and purposes, WD-40 can be thought of as kerosene with a little mineral oil mixed in. It will remove grease and replace it with a *light* lubricant. It will not hurt o-rings.

[jcbell1007]

u know what the best & cheapest stuff for chain cleaning & lube is??? dupont teflon spray. u can buy it at lowes for like $4. i heard wd40 dries out the o-rings

Reading through my 848 manual and I remember reading that ducati recommends a teflon spray to lube the chain.

i've been using this stuff for over a year now and love it. dries in less than 30 seconds, its clear, and its teflon.

I would recommend hitting it in more frequent intervals than some of the thicker stuff (IE.. belray superclean, etc...).

[idratherberidin]

Kerosene FTW. It also works awesome to get the release agent off of new tires.

[boloson]

Reading through my 848 manual and I remember reading that ducati recommends a teflon spray to lube the chain.

i've been using this stuff for over a year now and love it. dries in less than 30 seconds, its clear, and its teflon.

I would recommend hitting it in more frequent intervals than some of the thicker stuff (IE.. belray superclean, etc...).

amazing stuff aint it? cheap, easy to use, no fling dries in seconds & can be bought at lowes. what more can u ask for?

[R7]

For all intents and purposes, WD-40 can be thought of as kerosene with a little mineral oil mixed in. It will remove grease and replace it with a *light* lubricant. It will not hurt o-rings.

I haven't bought chain lube in 10 years, I clean and lube with WD-40. For what it's worth, it's also much cleaner/neater/less expensive to buy it by the gallon and use a hand pump spayer

[Omahastylin16]

wd works fine by me

[sveesix]

duPont Teflon Wax for the win

[JRide]

Been using WD-40 to clean my chains for a long time and never had a problem. I buy it buy the gallon and use a pump sprayer. After the chain is clean I use chain wax to lube up the chain.

I also use WD-40 to clean my rims.

[duganc1717]

I haven't bought chain lube in 10 years, I clean and lube with WD-40. For what it's worth, it's also much cleaner/neater/less expensive to buy it by the gallon and use a hand pump spayer

What R7 said, I have not used "chain lube" in over 10 years. And to the people that put 2" of "chain lube" on

[theothersean]

I dab a little wd40 behind ear before I go out for the night , it makes good whore bait .

I too have been using wd40 to clean chains with out problems, I do use chain wax afterward though to lube the chain on the street bikes. the dirt bikes only get the wd treatment due to teh fact that all you lube is washed ritght off after the first mud hole you go through . so the dirt chains get cleaned after every ride with wd40.
on the back cover of motorcycle consumer news was this little gadget that may be worth a try
http://www.blackdogcw.com/ketten_max.html and can be used with wd40

[Slyder]

+1 on the Dupont multi-use stuff.

Never gonna buy another can of chainwax again

Also you can find it at Lowes and Ace / Foggs hardware. Probably cheaper at Lowes. It's around $8 a can up here at Ace.

[FirstDuc-1098]

... on the back cover of motorcycle consumer news was this little gadget that may be worth a try
http://www.blackdogcw.com/ketten_max.html and can be used with wd40

had something like that for my mountain bike, worked great!!!

[KillBill]

I like WD40 for cleaning wheels, I use a paint tray and kerosene for cleaning chains.

Just used the WD on my wheels yesterday.....phenomenal results.
Thanks for the tip Kurlon