Rust? Should i replace?

[CaliGuy2004]

I have an ample amount of rust on my chain and rotors. Should i replace or just use steel wool? Whats easier? Whats safer?

[stangmx13]

the rotors will clean up the first time around the block... but as for the chain, if the rust made its way into the links n not just on the outside, ull need to replace it. u should easily be able to notice any kinks or tight spots caused by rust.

[masameet]

If he's replacing his chain, should he also then replace his sprockets?

[CaliGuy2004]

Bike does have rust all over the chain. But it was not ridden with rust. I think the sprockets should be fine then. no?

Where would i find a nice all black chain online for a good price?

Thanks!

[supertireguy]

Typically when a chain has been used and worn out it has also worn the sprockets.

When a chain has simply rusted out do to lack of use the sprockets might still be ok.

Can't tell for sure without looking at the components in question.

[mlm]

Your bike has only been sitting unused for a couple months right? If so, it's highly unlikely to be much more than some surface rust.

Spray some lubricant, or even some WD40 on it and it'll go away by itself. I'd only worry if you see some of the links no longer bend.

edit: try running a search on WD40 and you'll see all kind of conflicting claims about it. Personally I've never had a problem.

[fjackie]

Whatever you do, don't use wd40 on a chain. It killed a friends chain way prematurely. Its a good cleaner, like for the sprockets.

[Mickey_D100]

Whatever you do, don't use wd40 on a chain. It killed a friends chain way prematurely. Its a good cleaner, like for the sprockets.

Here we go. :Popcorn :laughing

WD40 is used by many members here as a chain cleaner, most or all of whom haven't had any problems with it. I just started using it on mine on the advice of many of those previous threads and have found that it works most excellently.

Edit: Note that, like others have stated below, a cleaning with WD40 should always be followed up with a nice chain lube. :)

[Jello_Biafra]

Whatever you do, don't use wd40 on a chain. It killed a friends chain way prematurely. Its a good cleaner, like for the sprockets.

Probably because he was using it as lube too. WD40 is an awesome choice for a chain cleaner, but it has no 'cling' properties to keep it on the chain when it's moving. That's what purpose made chain lubes are for.

[Hooli]

Probably because he was using it as lube too. WD40 is an awesome choice for a chain cleaner, but it has no 'cling' properties to keep it on the chain when it's moving. That's what purpose made chain lubes are for.

+1

I've been using WD40 as a chain cleaner for years; especially effective after a rainy ride, or after I wash my bike. I always follow up with a quality chain lube. Currently I like to use Maxima Chain Wax on all my bikes.

[CaliGuy2004]

Its been sitting since aug. The links bend and when i scrub them well enough with wd40 the rust starts to come off. its just gona be a couple of hours to get it all off. I no way use wd40 as lube, but as cleaner. i just want to get the bike cleaned, and im planning on flushing out ALL the fluids and starting over. If anyone has tips or can help let me know since this will be my 1st attempt.

Thanks guys.

[supertireguy]

Probably because he was using it as lube too. WD40 is an awesome choice for a chain cleaner, but it has no 'cling' properties to keep it on the chain when it's moving. That's what purpose made chain lubes are for.

WD40 is awesome for cleaning nasty gunked up chains and other parts but WD40 is not chain lube.

After I clean the chain with WD40 and wipe with a rag I then apply chain lube.

My guess is the people who have allegedly had problems using WD40 on their chains are probably not following up with chain lube.

[mlm]

+1

I've been using WD40 as a chain cleaner for years; especially effective after a rainy ride, or after I wash my bike. I always follow up with a quality chain lube. Currently I like to use Maxima Chain Wax on all my bikes.

+1. I just mentioned WD-40 for cleaning the rust off, but I do the same thing. Chain Wax is great stuff.

[fjackie]

My friend did not use wd as a lube. He cleaned the chain with wd and lubed it after. During our trip, about 300 miles after the clean and lube, o rings were squeezing out between the links because they swelled.

I'm surprised that all the "by the book" people on here don't use Kerosene, like the manual says.

So you people would clean your 160$ Regina chain with wd40??? Fuck that.

[Hooli]

My friend did not use wd as a lube. He cleaned the chain with wd and lubed it after. During our trip, about 300 miles after the clean and lube, o rings were squeezing out between the links because they swelled.


Just what, then, did your "friend" use for chain lube? :confused


I'm surprised that all the "by the book" people on here don't use Kerosene, like the manual says.


Just to twist your panties a bit more, lately I've been using mineral spirits (yes, PAINT THINNER) and my Grundge Buster to clean my o-ring chain. I was convinced after seeing our very own Alanrider use the same stuff. Chain came out blingin' clean.


So you people would clean your 160$ Regina chain with wd40??? Fuck that.

I've cleaned a $150 DID X-ring chain with WD40, is that close enough for you? :twofinger

[Jello_Biafra]

So you people would clean your 160$ Regina chain with wd40??? Fuck that.

I just cleaned a DID with it.. so yes. Always have and probably always will.

[fjackie]

That's all good. Your decision. All I'm saying is I've seen someone have bad luck with the stuff and I would advise against cleaning a chain with it. And, Hooli, I don't wear panties:)

[mlm]

My friend did not use wd as a lube. He cleaned the chain with wd and lubed it after. During our trip, about 300 miles after the clean and lube, o rings were squeezing out between the links because they swelled.

I'm surprised that all the "by the book" people on here don't use Kerosene, like the manual says.

So you people would clean your 160$ Regina chain with wd40??? Fuck that.

Technically the only 'risk' associated with WD40 is that it is a penetrating agent and could seep past the rings and erode the grease inside. From what I've read, the biggest risk is bikes that are infrequently ridden because the grease degrades over time and the inside starts to corrode.

I've never actually seen or heard of a confirmed failure, and I can't understand how it could make the o rings pop out. :wtf

[fjackie]

If it makes the rubber x Ring swell(meaning it gets larger), then the o rings can expand. Don't give me that look.

[mlm]

If it makes the rubber x Ring swell(meaning it gets larger), then the o rings can expand. Don't give me that look.
Since I've never seen a chain that has both X-Rings AND o-rings, I'll take your word for it. :laughing

Seriously, could have just been that your frind's chain was getting hot or something. In any case, I can't prove WD40 isn't bad, just offer anecdotal evidence. To be honest, the other stuff works better anyways. WD40 is just really easy because it's easy to get, cheap, and sprays out of a can.