Chain maintenance tips
May 24, 2013 19:08:20 GMT -6
Post by Doc on May 24, 2013 19:08:20 GMT -6
I don't think I've shared this little nugget of wisdom, but if I did, just blame the medications I'm on. ;-)
I've been maintaining and lubricating my chain with a combination of WD-40 and Dupont Teflon. Here's how:
1) Completely clean the chain with WD-40. I mean, soak that thing. Wipe it down with a clean shop towel and, if necessary, repeat. You want to remove all the grit and grime from it before spraying the Teflon.
2) WD-40 is too thin to use as a lubricant for the chain, but it works great as a cleaner. After wiping down the chain (the first treatment always takes the longest), let it sit for about 10-20 minutes. Grab a beer or something while you wait, I dunno.
3) Spray the Teflon over the sides, top and bottom of the chain. Be sure to cover your tire and any frame components you don't want to get this stuff on! After spraying liberally over the entire chain, wait about 15-30 minutes. Then you can go for a ride!
The benefit of these chemicals is that the Teflon, unlike the typical chain wax, will not fling off or attract dirt and debris. Posted below are photos of the chain on my '02 Vulcan 500, currently drying from its new application of Teflon (photos taken before I started cleaning the chain today). The area around the front sprocket was nearly SOLID with gunk when I bought the bike 2 years ago. I cleaned the area out, removed the chain and cleaned it with WD-40 and Teflon spray. The sprockets were also cleaned at this time.
The photos below show the build-up of gunk since that time. In about 2 years and 12,000 miles, through snow and ice, rain and blistering heat, that's all the debris that got deposited. If you look at the chain, it looks pretty clean still. It was last lubricated nearly 1,500 miles ago! Pretty clean for that length of time between lube jobs.
Anyhow, I'm heading back out to finish up. Just thought this info might be useful. Both the WD-40 and Dupont Teflon can be purchased at Lowe's.
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I've been maintaining and lubricating my chain with a combination of WD-40 and Dupont Teflon. Here's how:
1) Completely clean the chain with WD-40. I mean, soak that thing. Wipe it down with a clean shop towel and, if necessary, repeat. You want to remove all the grit and grime from it before spraying the Teflon.
2) WD-40 is too thin to use as a lubricant for the chain, but it works great as a cleaner. After wiping down the chain (the first treatment always takes the longest), let it sit for about 10-20 minutes. Grab a beer or something while you wait, I dunno.
3) Spray the Teflon over the sides, top and bottom of the chain. Be sure to cover your tire and any frame components you don't want to get this stuff on! After spraying liberally over the entire chain, wait about 15-30 minutes. Then you can go for a ride!
The benefit of these chemicals is that the Teflon, unlike the typical chain wax, will not fling off or attract dirt and debris. Posted below are photos of the chain on my '02 Vulcan 500, currently drying from its new application of Teflon (photos taken before I started cleaning the chain today). The area around the front sprocket was nearly SOLID with gunk when I bought the bike 2 years ago. I cleaned the area out, removed the chain and cleaned it with WD-40 and Teflon spray. The sprockets were also cleaned at this time.
The photos below show the build-up of gunk since that time. In about 2 years and 12,000 miles, through snow and ice, rain and blistering heat, that's all the debris that got deposited. If you look at the chain, it looks pretty clean still. It was last lubricated nearly 1,500 miles ago! Pretty clean for that length of time between lube jobs.
Anyhow, I'm heading back out to finish up. Just thought this info might be useful. Both the WD-40 and Dupont Teflon can be purchased at Lowe's.
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
