How to clean your chain?

[turboduck]

Probably a really noob question but whats the best way to clean the chain?

I was just gonna get a rag and wipe off any old grease and respray some more, any better ideas??

[Kendog]

any better ideas??

Click 'Search'
Type 'Clean chain'
Click 'Go'

[Disco Dan]

Probably a really noob question but whats the best way to clean the chain?

I was just gonna get a rag and wipe off any old grease and respray some more, any better ideas??

I love this job on bikes... I always use an old toothbrush and turps and just go to town on it. Centre stand makes it easier and you can just slowly turn the wheel as you go, dont forget to clean the sprockets as you turn a bit each time. Then wipe off with a rag and let it dry proper before applying fresh lube. Very satisfying job.

[Maki]

Probably a really noob question but whats the best way to clean the chain?

I was just gonna get a rag and wipe off any old grease and respray some more, any better ideas??

Use a stand to lift the rear wheel off the ground. Use toothbrush and kerosene to clean old oil and dirt off chain. Once you have a lot of kero on there you can use a rag or whatever to wipe it off. Finish with your favorite chain oil and away you go...

[SARGE]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=97756

[turboduck]

Click 'Search'
Type 'Clean chain'
Click 'Go'

And what happens, does the forum clean my chain? :bleh:

[turboduck]

Thanks for the advice everyone.
I didnt know about kerosene as a chain cleaner, ill cruise down to bunnings today to get some.
No doubt it will be packed full of DIYers for the long weekend. <_<

[dogsnbikes]

Thanks for the advice everyone.
I didnt know about kerosene as a chain cleaner, ill cruise down to bunnings today to get some.
No doubt it will be packed full of DIYers for the long weekend. <_<

Dont forget to remove your front sprocket cover and clean all the crap from behind it

[lukemillar]

Use a stand to lift the rear wheel off the ground. Use toothbrush and kerosene to clean old oil and dirt off chain. Once you have a lot of kero on there you can use a rag or whatever to wipe it off. Finish with your favorite chain oil and away you go...

This is what I do. Kerosene is great because you can get it at the local supermarket. I also use a dentures toothbrush which is about twice the size of a regular one bult also has a small brush for getting between the rollers on the back.

[klyong82]

Just make sure you dont try to clean the chain with the bike in gear - if you wanna know why search the forum and you might see horror images of missing fingers etc..

[turboduck]

Cleaned my chain on the weekend. Using kero it came up a treat. Gave the sprocket a good going over too.

Who would have thought that the number of teeth would have been stamped on the sprocket... ;)

Does kero eat rubber??

[p.dath]

Does kero eat rubber??

No.

10 chars.

[peasea]

Probably a really noob question but whats the best way to clean the chain?

I was just gonna get a rag and wipe off any old grease and respray some more, any better ideas??

Get a belt?

[Pixie]

Get a belt?

How do you remove big fuggin' stone holes from a belt?

[vifferman]

How do you remove big fuggin' stone holes from a belt?
Cut them out with a sharp knife? :confused:

[peasea]

How do you remove big fuggin' stone holes from a belt?

I always carry a box of Band Aid plasters.

Seriously, I've only ever spat out one belt and that was in the driveway! How convenient.

[rocketman1]

I agree Kerosene, but I use a small old paintbrush , I find its better than a hard bristly tooth brush.
Things to watch out for:
1) Make sure you protect your rear tyre, you don't want kero all over the side of it. Or you may wonder why you come off on your first good left hander.
2) I always spin the rear wheel backwards, and clean bottom of chain return, why you ask, if your have ever got your finger punctured between the chain and the rear sprocket, I assure you that you will never make the same mistake again , its as close as I can guess to hitting a 4" nail through your finger. Hurt F--k like you would not believe. Plus you have to turn the wheel backwards to get your finger out.
May sound stupid and hard to do.. you laugh at your peril
When cleaning the top return of the chain likewise spin wheel forward.

This info for bikes with chains on the left side.
Left side is the side when sitting on the bike...of course

3) Check the chain for slackness and wear at the same time, if you can pull the chain away from the rear of the rear sprocket easily, time to renew your chain. A good chain will hardly move away from the sprocket.

Just some free tips from your.............. friendly Rocketman

[turboduck]

thanks for the advice rocket...... im adjusting the chain this weekend. Its a vfr400 with a single sided swingarm and i dont have a c spanner so its going to be a semi fiddly job.