WD40 for the chain

[Daninplymouth]

Hi, just wondered if it’s ok to use wd40 for the chain. Not long term use but at the moment with the poor weather I keep hosing the bike off after each ride so then spray the chain with wd40 or similar to drive out the water and stop it rusting between uses. Would this offer enough protection for quick 20-40mile rides? Or should I apply my regular dry lube too?
Thanks

 

[Hacienda71]

I will quite often use a quick spray of GT85 on the drive train between full cleans and relubes during the winter.Seems to stop squeaks and grinding sounds.....

 

[DaveReading]

If you have to use either, GT85 at least has some lubricating properties. WD-40 doesn't.

 

[rockyroller]

lately I've been taking my chain off to service it. I'm getting better at it. not sure I would do it daily tho. but it sure makes servicing it a ton easier

 

[CanucksTraveller]

WD40 is good for after a proper wash (to help get rid of water) but you need to oil the chain as well.

 

[Ajax Bay]

wondered if it’s ok to use wd40 for the chain. Not long term use but at the moment with the poor weather I keep hosing the bike off after each ride so then spray the chain with wd40 or similar to drive out the water and stop it rusting between uses. Would this offer enough protection for quick 20-40mile rides? Or should I apply my regular dry lube too?

If your chain and cassette are well oiled, there is no merit in spraying with WD40/GT85. If properly lubed in the first place (see below) the oil already there should prevent rust. Better off (after hose wash) to wipe excess moisture/oil mix off chain (kitchen towel, say) and re-oil.
If you do use a spray, that will dilute the oil on the chain, which is fine provided you then wipe and oil; wait, and wipe.
If you don't (and just spray), your next ride (20-40 miles) will be on dry lube diluted by WD40. Do you think that's better protection/lubrication than wet lube?
Put the "regular dry lube" away till after Easter (Devon/Cornwall). Wet lube till then.

 

[Daninplymouth]

Ok noted I will put a drop of lube on after drying the chain out

 

[Daninplymouth]

If your chain and cassette are well oiled, there is no merit in spraying with WD40/GT85. If properly lubed in the first place (see below) the oil already there should prevent rust. Better off (after hose wash) to wipe excess moisture/oil mix off chain (kitchen towel, say) and re-oil.
If you do use a spray, that will dilute the oil on the chain, which is fine provided you then wipe and oil; wait, and wipe.
If you don't (and just spray), your next ride (20-40 miles) will be on dry lube diluted by WD40. Do you think that's better protection/lubrication than wet lube?
Put the "regular dry lube" away till after Easter (Devon/Cornwall). Wet lube till then.

Thanks I might go grab some wet lube over the weekend. I do liberally apply the dry lube but after a wet ride a while back then letting the bike sit I had a few rust spots. Which got me onto using the wd40 when I got back as it leaves the chain clean and rust free, I thought probably dilutes the main lube but wasn’t sure if it was cause any problems using this everytime after a ride

 

[sleuthey]

I keep hosing the bike off

And you will hose the chain off too of you use wd40. Traditional wd40 is a penetrating oil that will wash previous lubricants out and not be good for long term use. Any old engine oil, cooking oil or even 3in1 would be better than wd40 IMO

 

[Ajax Bay]

after a wet ride a while back then letting the bike sit I had a few rust spots

Yes - after a wet ride, wipe off the chain (and oil) and spray the cassette with WD40 (spray can) as a water dispersant and rust inhibitor. If you leave it oil-less and wet, both will rust overnight. Wet lube investment is a 'must' (or any similar viscosity/adhesion stuff).

 

[Daninplymouth]

And you will hose the chain off too of you use wd40. Traditional wd40 is a penetrating oil that will wash previous lubricants out and not be good for long term use. Any old engine oil, cooking oil or even 3in1 would be better than wd40 IMO

That’s what I thought about wd40 neutralising any protectant on the chain already which is why I wondered at the moment could I just use wd40 to keep the chain clean if I apply it every 20-30miles, would this be better than proper lube being applied every couple of hundred miles

 

[mickle]

WD40 has no business being anywhere near a bicycle unless it's removing sticker glue from paint work.

 

[Ajax Bay]

No. However often you spray it on, spray WD40 is not a lubricant.
Good for cleaning hubs and spokes though, in a rag.

 

[Daninplymouth]

No. However often you spray it on, spray WD40 is not a lubricant.
Good for cleaning hubs and spokes though, in a rag.

Thanks duly noted. Do you think it’s worth cleaning the chain with wd40 before applying lube after washing or should I just dry the chain with a cloth and lube directly?

 

[rogerzilla]

I had a mate who used a jetwash and WD40 on his MTB after our muddy rides, the sort where you have to get undressed on the doormat. His chains lasted as long as mine.