DarylinAjax
Well-known member
I’m seeing a bunch of contradictory advice over the cleaning & lubing of O-ring chains and thought I would try and set things straight. The care and feeding of an O-ring chain is very different from the “spray the bejeesus out of it with WD-40 & chain lube” treatment for non-O-ring chains.
While it is true there is no such thing as "overlubing" a chain as long as you don't mind the mess I often wonder if folks realize how an O-ring chain works. The rubber O-rings in a chain are meant to keep factory grease within the links in place and to keep grit and other contaminates out. As long as your O-rings aren't worn or damaged the chain is basically "lubed for life". The only lube an O-ring chain should need is a film on the rollers to help cushion them for when they hit the sprockets at high speed.
I find the “no-fling” chain lubes do a great job of not only not flinging off but also do an even better job of attracting dirt & grime. I don’t use chain lube for that reason.
When cleaning an O-ring chain just take a kerosene-damped rag and go carefully over the chain and NEVER spray, soak, or wash the chain with anything. If you use too much cleaner or an aerosol lube you will force dirt and grime into the O-rings. Once the O-rings are destroyed the factory lube within leaks out the chain will wear quickly. I’ve even seen somebody use a power washer on an O-ring chain!
For lubing an O-ring chain I use 80-weight gear oil (yes, gear oil) and an old artist paint brush and “paint” the chain rollers ONLY. There is no point in getting lube between the plates because it is (1) unnecessary, and (2) it attracts O-ring destroying dirt and grime.
I've done this for years and get great life out of my chains, more than most people I know. Also, because I only lube where I need to my chain stays cleaner for much longer.
If you have already done the “spray cleaner & lube” thing to your O-ring chain then you may have already damaged the O-rings so I don’t suggest you do the above just yet but the next time you wrap a new O-ring chain on your bike I recommend you try what I am suggesting above and see for yourself.
Ride safe,
Daryl
While it is true there is no such thing as "overlubing" a chain as long as you don't mind the mess I often wonder if folks realize how an O-ring chain works. The rubber O-rings in a chain are meant to keep factory grease within the links in place and to keep grit and other contaminates out. As long as your O-rings aren't worn or damaged the chain is basically "lubed for life". The only lube an O-ring chain should need is a film on the rollers to help cushion them for when they hit the sprockets at high speed.
I find the “no-fling” chain lubes do a great job of not only not flinging off but also do an even better job of attracting dirt & grime. I don’t use chain lube for that reason.
When cleaning an O-ring chain just take a kerosene-damped rag and go carefully over the chain and NEVER spray, soak, or wash the chain with anything. If you use too much cleaner or an aerosol lube you will force dirt and grime into the O-rings. Once the O-rings are destroyed the factory lube within leaks out the chain will wear quickly. I’ve even seen somebody use a power washer on an O-ring chain!
For lubing an O-ring chain I use 80-weight gear oil (yes, gear oil) and an old artist paint brush and “paint” the chain rollers ONLY. There is no point in getting lube between the plates because it is (1) unnecessary, and (2) it attracts O-ring destroying dirt and grime.
I've done this for years and get great life out of my chains, more than most people I know. Also, because I only lube where I need to my chain stays cleaner for much longer.
If you have already done the “spray cleaner & lube” thing to your O-ring chain then you may have already damaged the O-rings so I don’t suggest you do the above just yet but the next time you wrap a new O-ring chain on your bike I recommend you try what I am suggesting above and see for yourself.
Ride safe,
Daryl
