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How To Degrease A Motorcycle Chain
If you want to completely and safely degrease the motorcycle chain, the first step is to stabilize the frame-use the frame or a large brace. The key is that the rear wheel can rotate freely in the air, and you have to cushion the cardboard below and then flow down the dirty water. Next, turn the rear wheel and spray enough special “O-ring safety” chain cleaner on the chain, or use kerosene directly.
With the three-sided cleaning brush, each side of the chain should be brushed in place, which is to disintegrate the hardened old oil. After brushing, gently rinse with low-pressure water flow (never use high-pressure water gun, it will destroy the oil seal). Finally, find a clean cloth to wipe the chain dry, and then immediately on the new chain oil rust. This the whole process down at most 15 minutes, but this is definitely the most effective to extend the life of your transmission system.
Why Is It So Important To Remove Oil From The Chain?
Many people do not realize that the old lubricating oil not only loses its lubricating effect, but also absorbs sand and gravel. These dirty things are mixed together and become ” strong abrasive paste “between your cone and chain link. If this layer of deposits is not cleaned up, they will accelerate metal wear and even lead to poor power transmission.
The Tools You Need To Prepare
Before you start, the following things can make your work much more convenient:
- Support tool: lifting the frame or the large support provided by the vehicle.
- Floor protection: cardboard or old newspaper (unless you want to wash the floor).
- Chemical reagent: special O-ring safety cleaning agent, or kerosene.
- Physical cleaning: a three-sided chain brush.
- Flushing tool: low pressure water source (garden hose or direct 1 bucket water).
- Caution tools: clean rag and new chain oil.
Step 1: Rack The Car And Protect It
Learning to clean a chain begins with preparation. You must securely mount the bike on a stand or kickstand. This is crucial because you need to rotate the rear wheel to reach the entire chain, and the bike must remain stable.
After the car is stable, lay a large piece of cardboard under the chain. Oil removal is a dirty job, and the liquid that flows down is a mixture of dissolved waste oil, road asphalt and cleaning agents. Cardboard has a good oil absorption effect and can keep your garage floor or driveway without leaving marks.
Step 2: Select The Cleaning Agent
The choice of solvent is directly related to the life or death of the rubber sealing ring in your chain. As a rule, you should use a cleaner labeled “O-ring safe”, or kerosene.
Why The Emphasis On “Safe For O-rings”?
Today’s motorcycle chains are basically oil-sealed chains, which rely on rubber O-rings (or X-rings) to seal the grease at the factory in the pin shaft. If you use gasoline or paint thinner, a strong solvent, the rubber ring will expand, deform or even crack, which is tantamount to wasting the chain.
Operation Method:
Turn the rear wheel and spray the cleaning agent on it, or brush it up with a brush dipped in kerosene. Don’t save material, make sure every link is thoroughly soaked.
Step 3: Knock With A Brush
Chemical reactions alone sometimes make it impossible to get rid of those sludge as hard as stones, so you have to brush it with your hands.
At this time, the three-sided brush comes in handy. It is specially designed for this and can brush the top, bottom and side of the chain at the same time. Brushing hard while turning the wheel, the bristles can get into the gap between the chain plate and the roller and pick out the sticky, gravel-mixed dirt. This is also the main source of wear.
Step 4: Gentle Rinse
The sludge brush is loose, it’s time to flush. Here’s a big taboo: flush with low-pressure water.
Warning: Never Use A High-pressure Water Gun
I ‘ve seen too many people make that mistake in the car wash. The high-pressure water column will force the water through the sealing ring. Once the water enters the inside of the chain roller, it will rust and the chain will collapse directly from the inside. An ordinary water pipe or bucket of water is the safest way.
Step 5: Dry And Oil Immediately
This last step is a race against time to prevent flash rust. Use a clean cloth to wipe the chain dry, metal surface can not leave a little water.
Chain dry, immediately on the new chain oil. Don’t dawdle. The cleaning process has washed off the previous protective layer, and now the metal is completely exposed and easily oxidized. Immediately oiling can seal the metal surface and ensure smooth operation, which is considered to have completed a complete maintenance loop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: According to the rules, use a special O-ring safety cleaning agent or kerosene in sufficient quantity. These solvents can dissolve the sludge but will not damage the rubber oil seal, not as violent as gasoline.
A: No, don’t use it. High pressure water will damage the sealing ring (O-ring or X-ring). Old honest and practical low-pressure water to wash away the dirty things the safest.
A: It is necessary. After rinsing and drying, add new oil immediately. This is a key step in preventing rust and preserving the life of your drivetrain.
A: It takes about 15 minutes from the time the car is mounted to the final oil.
Author: Mark Turner
I’m a motorcycle maintenance enthusiast dedicated to practical care. I believe the single best way to extend your drivetrain’s life is a consistent 15-minute routine. My guides focus on safe methods—like using O-ring safe cleaners, relying on specific grunge brushes, and strictly avoiding high-pressure washers—to ensure your chain stays rust-free and spins freely.