Dirty Chain

[Glasgow44]

Hi there

I thought I had cleaned my winter bike properly before storing it away at the beginning of the year but obviously I haven't.

The chain is brown and hard.

What is the best way to clean the chain and get it back to normal?

 

[Paulus]

Hi there

I thought I had cleaned my winter bike properly before storing it away at the beginning of the year but obviously I haven't.

The chain is brown and hard.

What is the best way to clean the chain and get it back to normal?

I take it that it is rusty.
You might be able to restore it, firstly with plenty of wd40 or penetrating oil, spray it liberally on, and then with a toothbrush work it in to all the links and pins. Then wipe it all off and then repeat, several times until it is free.
Then, once it is clear of rust, clean thoroughly with chain cleaner, wiping it clean , and finally use a chain lube letting it get into the pins and rollers, before more wiping and cleaning.
Check the condition of the Chainrings and sprockets for rust and dirt.
Of course you could just buy a new chain.

 

[fossyant]

I'd just get a new chain.

 

[sleuthey]

Others on here say this is overkill but my preference is to remove chain, soak in vinegar, scrub with WU Liquid, dry, refit and lube as normal.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Same happened to me some years ago.
I just went to get a new chain.

 

[figbat]

It’s possible that cleaning it is what caused this. After cleaning it you need to oil the chain otherwise it can rust.

 

[fossyant]

It’s possible that cleaning it is what caused this. After cleaning it you need to oil the chain otherwise it can rust.

Exactly, and make sure it's coated all the chain - this is usually where an aerosol lube is useful if the bike is going into 'storage' rather than being used as the lube won't spread if not used.

 

[richardfm]

I take it that it is rusty.
You might be able to restore it, firstly with plenty of wd40 or penetrating oil, spray it liberally on, and then with a toothbrush work it in to all the links and pins. Then wipe it all off and then repeat, several times until it is free.
Then, once it is clear of rust, clean thoroughly with chain cleaner, wiping it clean , and finally use a chain lube letting it get into the pins and rollers, before more wiping and cleaning.
Check the condition of the Chainrings and sprockets for rust and dirt.
Of course you could just buy a new chain.

Before doing all of that I would remove the chain from the bike and use a wire brush to remove as much rust as possible.