DAE use WD-40 on bike chains without issues?

I've been fixing bikes as a side gig, and I always spray WD-40 on chains to clean them before adding lube. Everyone tells me this will ruin the chain, but I haven't had a single chain fail on me yet. What's your take on using WD-40 for chain cleaning?

4 comments

4 Comments

nelson.mia1mo ago

My buddy tried that on his mountain bike. The chain got super noisy and stiff, like it wiped out all the factory grease inside.

jordan5111mo ago

Wait, wiped out ALL the factory grease? That sounds wrong, like it dried the chain out completely. You need some lube in there.

the_harper1mo ago

Hey, I get what you're saying about the chain getting noisy and stiff... but I use WD-40 just to clean off the gunk before I add proper lube. In my experience, it hasn't caused any problems as long as you re-lube right after. So maybe it's more about the method than the product itself.

juliaa6513d ago

How long have you been doing this cleaning method, and what kind of riding are these bikes used for after? I'd worry the solvent might get into the rollers and not fully dry before the lube goes on.

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