How to: Clean and Lube Chain

[DBDAN61]

Ok, so put the bike on stands, run it at 10K on 6th, kerosene and grunge, then ride it down the block a few times and finally apply the lube. Got it. But hey, TY OP for the write up.

[wutsup]

I just clean with toothbrush with whatever degreaser/kerosene I have around and then let it dry for about 15-20 minutes, then lube it on the inside of the chain. I never warmed up the chain before lubing it but just wondering if it makes that much a difference vs. a cold chain. Wouldn't the lube eventually get inbetween the o-rings when the chain warms up when you ride?

[lopez95632]

Anyone know what chain cleaner will do to powder coated wheels? Or should I stop being lazy and tape it off?

[wutsup]

Originally Posted by lopez95632

Anyone know what chain cleaner will do to powder coated wheels? Or should I stop being lazy and tape it off?

What type of chain cleaner do you use? I doubt it would ruin powder coated wheels.

[r6cer88]

Originally Posted by 317 Rider

I am not sure if there is a how to on how to do this, but hopefully this will help some people out.

I used Kerosene, chain lube, a chain brush, an empty cup, and a trash bag. You do not need the brush but it makes it easier, and you also do not need the trash bag.



You will need to dump some of the Kerosene into the empty cup so you can dip the chain brush into it, and place the trash bug under your rear sprocket to catch any Kerosene that comes off.



Dip the brush into the Kerosene and start rotating the back wheel. (Do not attempt to start the bike and do this, it is not a good choice) Dip the brush back into the Kerosene occasionally. When you are satisfied with the chain you can grab your chain lube.



Spay the chain with lube while rotating the tire. Once you have the chain completely lubed you are done.



You chain has now been cleaned and lubed.



I also clean my wheel after I am done. Let me know if I left anything out.

i heard that you need to have the bike chain be warm for lubing. is this absolutely essential or true?

Will there be any issues with lubing a chain when it is not warm??

[Ryan5544]

Not really. Helps if it's warm though, to seat the lube into all the nooks and crannies.

Whhhhhhhhyyy not just make it warm?

[MELK-MAN]

r6cer88 .. side note, but your chain looks tight. it should "smile" at ya. Overly tight chains can do all kinds of bad things include not allow the suspension to work correctly. The tightest a chain gets is when the cs sprocket, swingarm pivot, and rear axle are aligned..

[Tdub]

Originally Posted by MELK-MAN

r6cer88 .. side note, but your chain looks tight. it should "smile" at ya. Overly tight chains can do all kinds of bad things include not allow the suspension to work correctly. The tightest a chain gets is when the cs sprocket, swingarm pivot, and rear axle are aligned..

Looks like you could strum a tune on that baby!!

[r6cer88]

Originally Posted by MELK-MAN

r6cer88 .. side note, but your chain looks tight. it should "smile" at ya. Overly tight chains can do all kinds of bad things include not allow the suspension to work correctly. The tightest a chain gets is when the cs sprocket, swingarm pivot, and rear axle are aligned..

What picture of my chain are you referring to? I don't really have any pictures up that show my chain at all.

The chain hasn't been tightened since I got it from the dealer a year ago though. But then again, I shouldn't exactly be relying on them to deliver me a perfect vehicle either I guess.

How loose should it be exactly?

[mercenary]

The middle of the bottom part of the chain should have between 1-1.5 inch play from hanging freely to a high as you can push it with your finger.