Can I clean my motorcycle chain with wd 40?

If you’re asking, “Can I clean my motorcycle chain with wd 40?”, don’t just focus on the brand name “WD-40.” You should know that WD-40 is actually an entire brand lineup, which includes a standard multi-purpose rust-preventive lubricant, a specialized chain cleaner, and chain oil. The formulas and uses of these three are completely different; they must never be mixed. To clean your motorcycle chain, you must choose a WD‑40 product that clearly states “For Motorcycle Chains Only” and “Safe for Existing Seals (Oil Seals)” on the label, and then follow the instructions carefully.

The cleaning agent must be compatible with the chain.

If your motorcycle uses an oil-sealed chain, be sure to choose a chain cleaner that is explicitly labeled as “suitable for motorcycle chains” and “compatible with the corresponding oil seals.” It is far from enough to write “cleaning agent”, “degreasing agent” or “strong degreasing” on the package. Wrong use may break the oil seal. Before starting, it is best to find out the complete model of the chain on your car, whether it has an oil seal or no oil seal, and what type of sealing ring (such as O-type or X-type). By the way, look at the maintenance manual of the motorcycle and chain manufacturer. Required.
In addition, how to spray, how long to wait after spraying, and whether to wipe with cloth or rinse with water after washing, all have to follow the instructions on the cleaning agent bottle honestly. Don’t think about extending the soaking time by yourself, and don’t mix several different chemical cleaners together. Remember, the usage of product A must not be directly set on product B.

Washing the chain and putting oil on the chain are two different things.

The role of the cleaning agent is to wash away the sediment and old oil; while the chain oil is to re-provide lubrication and rust protection to the outside of the chain. For example, the standard usage of WD-40 chain oil is: spray evenly, wipe off the excess oil, and then wait for it to dry naturally-this is purely an “oiling” step, and it must not be sprayed as a cleaning agent.
After washing the chain, be sure to wipe or rinse according to the instructions. When the chain is completely dry, apply special chain oil that does not damage the oil seal. Don’t think that there is still a layer of oily cleaning agent residue on the surface just after washing, even if it is lubricated, it will not work at all.

There is also a common sense to know: the biggest function of the sealing ring in the oil seal chain (such as O-ring) is to lock the grease that comes with the factory in the pin shaft. If the sealing ring has been damaged, aged and deformed or even fell out, you can’t save the internal lubrication or repair the oil seal no matter how you wash it from the outside or spray the chain oil desperately.

The safety guidelines for cleaning your bike chain yourself

Before work, be sure to turn off the engine and support the motorcycle steadily. Absolutely, absolutely don’t try to save trouble, hit the fire and hang up the block, let the chain turn and wash itself, which is easy to cause serious accidents such as broken fingers!
When spraying cleaning agent and chain oil, you should also take it easy. Never get on the brake discs, brake pads or tires. In case these parts are accidentally contaminated, they must be thoroughly cleaned according to the manufacturer’s requirements immediately, and then ride on the road after confirming that the brakes and grip are no problem. Safety will always be the first.