mickmc Posted February 4, 2011 Report Share Posted February 4, 2011 Hi there do any of you recommend using WD40 on the chain, when trialing, asking because been using chain lube and it's a nightmare trying to get the mud out of the chain because it sticks to the lube what do reckon, might i be better using the WD40, or would that not protect it enough thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anotherfive Posted February 4, 2011 Report Share Posted February 4, 2011 About three years ago changed over to wd40. I power wash the chain, dewater with wd40. Midweek might spray it again to give it chance to dry before the next outing. I rate it above all other time consuming methods. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billwhizz Posted February 4, 2011 Report Share Posted February 4, 2011 Ive spent a day cleaning my back wheel, swinging arm, front drive cog, chain guide and chain after using chain lube !!! I now jet wash aswell but just use motor oil in a lil oil can and its perfect. Yes a lil sprays around if i use to much but its easily cleaned off with some soapy water Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kasob1964 Posted February 4, 2011 Report Share Posted February 4, 2011 Hi there do any of you recommend using WD40 on the chain, when trialing, asking because been using chain lube and it's a nightmare trying to get the mud out of the chain because it sticks to the lube what do reckon, might i be better using the WD40, or would that not protect it enough thanks Hello, I use differential oil and apply with a syringe. A litre lasts about 1 1/2 years so it's cheap. I figured that if it can cope with pimion and ring gear contact it should be okay on a chain. I have been using it on all my offroad bikes for 7 years now. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thesolidman1 Posted February 4, 2011 Report Share Posted February 4, 2011 I switched from regular chain lube to Tri-Flow lubricant. It lubricates very well, and the chain stays very clean, with no build-up. It's not cheap though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jordan80 Posted February 4, 2011 Report Share Posted February 4, 2011 As a manufacturer of aerosol chain lubes I can confirm that the ideal solution for trials is gear oil. Most aerosols are designed for the bigger road market. When your chain is being flung around the sprockets at high speed you need to add a tackyfier to keep it on the chain and to cope with heat. This tackyfier tends to build up after frequent applications which isn't a big issue when you have 100+ BHP! I have various types of bikes and use a refined light oil that leaves no residue on the offroaders. Aerosol application is the best method as the liquid propellant thins the oil so it penetrates right to the core, then quickly evaporates. It's easy to apply, wont spill or get contaminated. WD40 will stop your chain corroding after washing but isn't really robust enough to combat wear. Bignose Yoshimoto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrpettet Posted February 4, 2011 Report Share Posted February 4, 2011 I don't use wd-40 because it attracts dirt and dust like crazy (it's dry where I live). And I agree that it is not thick enough to prevent wear Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firedfromthecircus Posted February 4, 2011 Report Share Posted February 4, 2011 WD40 is good for removing the water from your chain after washing, but I would follow it up with something more suitable to 'lubricate' the chain before the next ride. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickmc Posted February 4, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2011 As a manufacturer of aerosol chain lubes I can confirm that the ideal solution for trials is gear oil. Most aerosols are designed for the bigger road market. When your chain is being flung around the sprockets at high speed you need to add a tackyfier to keep it on the chain and to cope with heat. This tackyfier tends to build up after frequent applications which isn't a big issue when you have 100+ BHP! I have various types of bikes and use a refined light oil that leaves no residue on the offroaders. Aerosol application is the best method as the liquid propellant thins the oil so it penetrates right to the core, then quickly evaporates. It's easy to apply, wont spill or get contaminated. WD40 will stop your chain corroding after washing but isn't really robust enough to combat wear. Bignose Yoshimoto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickmc Posted February 4, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2011 hi what sort of light oil do you use? which do you recommend thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ormplus Posted February 4, 2011 Report Share Posted February 4, 2011 not much lube in wd40 good to use after you wash the bike.use chain lube after it,and leave it to soak .the time you go to a trial it wont fling of. using wd40 will only result in chain and sprokets,chain pad and chain guide wearing out quicker. you should get at least a year or more when lubed correctly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gjbiker Posted February 5, 2011 Report Share Posted February 5, 2011 Perhaps a poll would be good for this subject? In the meantime, to put a bit of perspective on it..... 1 x 500ml tin chain lube = Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beta_trials Posted February 5, 2011 Report Share Posted February 5, 2011 I use WD-40 to lube the chains on my bikes and i have never had a problem. My techno has been lubed all its life with wd-40 since it was new and its still using the same chain which is 15 years old just now being ready to be replaced. go for it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
copemech Posted February 5, 2011 Report Share Posted February 5, 2011 I don't use wd-40 because it attracts dirt and dust like crazy (it's dry where I live). And I agree that it is not thick enough to prevent wear You see, one thing about the WD seems you can powerwash the chain, apply, then let it set so all the carriers evaporate off. Re apply mid week if needed. I never ride right after spraying it, as it will attract dry dust and dirt, but soo will most anything else. Only time I might re apply when riding would be in a wet muddy trial, so wet that if is does sling off it makes no difference. I do not think the extreme pressure lubrication properties are the best, and the TRI-FLOW may have advantage,yet with similar properties of carrier evaporation. Just seems to last a bit longer. I have used both or either, and I never replace chains. My orig is still on the '07 bike, and only half through the adjustment range and sprockets look fine. I do think one of the big things is to periodically perform a thorough cleaning of the chain to get the dirt and abraisives out of the rollers and links. I simply use mineral spirits in a pan, soak it, brush it, then flog the hellovit a few times till the chain FEELS smooth and not gritty! Slam it on the ground to get the stuff to move! May take a bit! Literally work the gritty abrasive out! Then you can even wire brush any rust off the plates to freshen up. Let the dirt settle out the original pan, pour off the clean solvent for a final rinse and store it for other cleaning uses. Blow the chain dry, then re apply the lube. Bottom line, keep it clean! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liviob Posted February 5, 2011 Report Share Posted February 5, 2011 I have found that WD40 works well for my o-ring chain equipped trail bike, but on my non o-ring trials bike chain i use Repsol chain lube. I hold a rag under the chain to keep the excess oil off the wheel and swingarm during application and apply it a small section at a time until oiling the chain is complete. It dosent fling off and make a mess and lasts at least four 3 hour rides. It's good stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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