wd40 as chain lube??

I heard people using wd40 as chain lube.....It sounds alot less messier and much easier than real chain wax/lube, but is it bad for the chain? If not, would I need to spray the entire chain or just the sprocket contact area??

I use wd-40 to clean the chain then I wipe it away. Then I use plain ol' honda white graphite to lube the chain. It isn't messy if you know how to actually do it. If you just spray in one spot and let it dry it won't get messy. If you spray all over the place then go ride 10 seconds later it will leave your bike dirty.

I doubt that WD40 would stay on the chain for very long since its so liquidy. I'd get the real deal.

no, wd40 is not good for chain lube. Not even close man. Less messy? Buy chain wax/lube in a can. Spray it on the chain like you would wd40.

You could do some serious damage just using wd40.... I would fear for my life. Your bike at high speeds is hardly a door hinge or a squeeking wheel on a desk chair. If you are concerned with splatter, well aren't we all, it's just one of those things you have to deal with. I wouldn't recommend wiping the chain either just take care as to how much is enough... Also a wheel hugger will hide the mess a little.

-mike-

Don't do it. Use WD-40 for cleaning ONLY. Do NOT use it as a lubricant. I heard a few folks have snapped their chains and damaged their frames, sprockets, etc. Use a O-ring (or X-ring depending on your chain) compatible lubricant only.

I usually wash away any surface debris with a low pressure hose, and then clean the chain, rear sprocket, and swing arm with WD-40. An old toothbrush and some service rags work wonders for cleaning the chain. Rinse, let dry and then apply a chain specific lubricant. I use the Honda Pro Lube (I believe it's in a black, white and blue can).

Wd-40 has solvents which will damage the rubber O-rings.
It is neither recommended as a cleaner.
Using a high flashpoint solvent such as kerosene is recomended for cleaning.
 
Btw also do not brush the rubber o_rings. brushing will damage the rubber O-rings.
 
Hope this helps!!!

General consensus: WD40= not acceptable chain lube

Alternative: 5-6$ worth of lube from your local Honda/Kawa/Yama dealer that is acceptable to use with o-ring chains. Your manual says use kerosene and a brush to clean. Use kerosene and a brush to clean or face a chain that does not live up to mileage potential. I picket up 4 gallons of kerosene for 15 bucks and another 6 for chain wax/cable lube from the dealer. A new chain costs what... $100... $125... $150? Invest in the proper materials.

talk about bring a 2 year post back to life LOL..

Oops. Necro posting FTL.

What a stupid goddamn thing to say; not only resurrecting a 2 year old thread....but claiming WD40 will "damage your O-ring seals"? Great first post there, buddy; you've made a great entrance here.
 
 
WD40 will NOT damage your chain in any way. It DOESN'T have solvents that will damage rubber or plastic. Its fine, and I would recommend it as a general chain cleaner, although kerosene is cheaper.
 
And to the guy that recommended spraying your chain with a hose - also not a great idea. Water won't do crap to remove the junk from your chain; you'll just get water in places you don't want it.
 
PJ1 - Blue Label works great without leaving a huge mess; it clings well to the chain without flying everywhere, unlike the Maxima stuff.

 toothbrush and toothpaste.....keeps the chain and O rings REALLY bright and sparkley!

But seriously.....Clean it with WD40 or Kerosene then wipe it clean then lube it with some Chain Wax or good lube.

DO NOT USE WD-40 ON O-RING CHAINS!

WD-40 is a penetrant that will eat away at the o-rings, causing premature failure. Do not clean, lube or touch your chain with WD-40 or any other penetrant. My chain had to be replaced because of the damage WD-40 caused to the o-rings......which could cause the chain to fail, and cause bodily harm, a crash or worse.

Use something non-abrasive, like kerosene or the best..........Simple Green. It's a non-abrasive engine-degreaser and works brilliantly with a tire scrubber/toothbrush. Then use CHAIN WAX to lube your chain.

I've heard lotsa rumors about wd-40 damaging your chain.  From what most of the pros and chemistry geeks, the WD40 won't be able to damage your chain quickly enough to do real harm.  Yes, it can eat away at it, but but the time it does minor damage, the normal wear and tear will do enough damage to replace the chain.  Basically, you can use WD40.

The WD-40 company claims it is safe for use on all motorcycle chains, but recommended cleaning products vary among chain manufacturers. Tsubaki Chain[4] and RK Chain recommend WD-40 to clean or displace water on all types of chains, including sealed ring.[5]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WD-40

A friend poured wd 40 in a mason jar and dropped in a bunch of O-rings a few years back. They are well preserved today. They have not swollen, disintegrated or otherwise become mishapened.
 
If you find it on your shelf, try one can of Repsol. It is a truly amazing product.

wd-40 is a penetrant its made for rusty bolts and what not to clean them up by gettin rid of rust, in sayin that wd-40 is water based so it wont stay on the chain it will dry up, what u need to use is a chain lube they sell in most bike stores that is a white color i forget what its called but its the best stuff, u spray it on then let it dry for at least 30 min before ridin and since it is silicon based not even rain will wash it off, if u ride everyday u need to spray it on bout once a week, cause of the amount of junk u pick up off the road while drivin it may look like the lube is all gone, its not its just really sticky, well hope i helped u out see ya

Chain cleaner: WD40
Chain Lube: Repsol chain lube
 
Done.

The debate is as heated as which grade gas to use. I just use kerosene and chain wax.

good ol motorex racing chain lube, stufff doesnt fly off for crap highly recomended

wd40 to CLEAN only...then lube good with Motul chain lube...
 
My .02 cents...has worked very well for me.

i use hersheys chocolate syrup to lube my chain!! its the shiznit

don,t use wd40 when you,ve ridden and the chain is warm/hot use chain lube (whichever) one then just wipe excess off, and leave it. second to get a clean swing arm or whatever get some toothpaste and toothbrush(don,t laugh) it works.and your bike smells fresh lol.seriously does work mate.

Chain clean: I use Motorex
Chain lube:  Bel-Ray

quote:

ORIGINAL: klutch_r

What a stupid goddamn thing to say; not only resurrecting a 2 year old thread....but claiming WD40 will "damage your O-ring seals"? Great first post there, buddy; you've made a great entrance here.


Speaking of great post....nice #41 post.  Maybe you could work on cleaning your chain and your language.