Cleaning and lubricating your chain.

madman748 · 03-20-2006, 09:01 PM

Here's a basic procedure to clean and lubricate your chain:

1. Get a plastic spray bottle from the hardware store and fill with kerosene.

2. As you rotate the wheel, spray the kerosene on the chain. Concentrate mostly on the rollers.

3. Rotate the wheel for a minute or two to work the kerosene into the rollers. Remember with o/x-ring chains, you are mainly concerned with the rollers.

4. Take a clean dry rag and rub down the chain until clean. If the chain has excessive grime, use an old toothbrush or a Grunge Brush. Once done the chain should shine!

5. As you rotate the wheel, spray a quality chain lubricate (NOT WD-40) on the inside of the chain, specificaly the edge of the rollers. Note that not all lubricates are applied in the same fashion. Follow the instructions for application on the back of the product.

6. Apply a light coating of chain lubricant to the outside of the chain. Remember, it's all about the rollers, the outside only needs a protective film for rust protection.

7. Take another clean rag and moisten with kerosene. Rub down any areas of overspray.

8. Repeat the process every three or four rides. It's easier when you stay on top of it.

9. IMPORTANT: THE EDGES OF THE ROLLERS SHOULD ALWAYS APPEAR WET OR BE FREE OF GRIME. IF YOUR CHAIN LOOKS DRY, THEN YOUR CHAIN IS NOT PROPERLY LUBRICATED.

I'm partial to the following chain lubricants:

http://www.fuchslubricants.com/silkolene/maintain.htm

http://www.maximausa.com/products/ch...s/chainwax.asp

And for persons who don't know what a Grunge Brush is:

http://www.finishlineusa.com/products/grunge-brush.htm

Good luck.

DazalC · 03-21-2006, 09:16 PM

where do u guys get kereozene from? can i just use regular gas? or wd40?

edit: btw, i found this on another thread: http://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/motorcycle-chain-lube/

it was expained really well, with great detail.

Kila-Beave · 04-02-2006, 07:27 PM

Lowe's, Wallmart, Camping Stores... some gas stations in the country still sell kerosene from a pump outside. I found a gallon of pure kerosene (for the little portable heaters) at Lowe's for $7.

ZXLNT · 04-03-2006, 02:34 AM

No dont use gasoline, its way way to flammable and it will damage the rubber O-rings..

Dawson-ZX · 04-17-2006, 10:18 AM

How about cleaning it by spraying/wiping with brake/parts cleaner... it's pretty flammable too though.... don't know if it'll damage rubber...

bumblebee · 04-17-2006, 02:50 PM

you need a mild solvent like kerosene or WD-40...Also, after you think you have dried it, and BEFORE you put lube on it...use your air compressor and blow down through the chain while holding a towel under it...Keep blowing and rubbing the chain, while spinning the tire, changing the towel frequently until the towel is clean while rubbing...

Any solvent left in the rollers or sideplates will prevent the lube from sticking and will "gum" up the chain again...