my motorcycle chain is cover with rust can i clean it or should i just buy a new one?
i would try wire brushing it then soaking it with a penetrating lube. if it’s kinked and doesn’t flow like the chain should, not only should you get a new one, but you should also replace the front and rear sprockets as well. A new chain on old sprockets will wear out both chain and sprockets twice a quick and you’ll be buying another new chain. Good luck with getting the old chain going, it’ll at least save ya some money Hope this helps
How to clean rust from my motorcycle chain?
Previous post: corrosion on volvo penta i/o unit on boat?
Next post: What's the best product to use for rust removal in the shower?
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
just buy a new one, the only way that i know of to get rust off would be to literally take it off and replace it, just buy a new one it can’t cost that much, good luck
References :
if you have any stiff links you better buy a new one. If it just outer surface rust and the chain bends easily, just squirt wd -40 on it and ride. Don’t worry about it.
References :
I have been riding for thirty years this is pretty common. most of what you see is surface rust. Is not going to hurt a thing.I use to take may chain off my bike in the winter time and let it sit in a bucket of oil.But I haven’t had a bike with a chain in years.Belt drive.As long as its not streched out . and you have a lot of adjustment left.Whats the problem.
References :
Spray some degreaser on it then use a wire brush to scrape off the rust. Then liberally apply some 80-90 weight gear oil on it and your good to go. If the chain is kinked or stretched out just buy a new chain.
References :
i would try wire brushing it then soaking it with a penetrating lube. if it’s kinked and doesn’t flow like the chain should, not only should you get a new one, but you should also replace the front and rear sprockets as well. A new chain on old sprockets will wear out both chain and sprockets twice a quick and you’ll be buying another new chain. Good luck with getting the old chain going, it’ll at least save ya some money Hope this helps
References :
92 MMI grad, HD Master of Technology 17yrs
get some muriatic acid and a metal pot,bucket,tub what ever holds liquid that does not leak.take the chain and put it in the acid let soak till the rust comes off,then rinse + dry the chain thoroughly.after rinsing and drying the chain you will want to soak the chain with penetrating oil (WD40 works great),it’s very important you do this because the muriatic acid make the chain more prone to oxidation (rust).i also have to recommend you not breathing the chemical fumes from the muriatic acid as it is very hazardous,you will also have to properly dispose of the acid as well.
good luck
References :
If the chain is coated in a red dust that looks like rust, that means the chain is worn out and needs replacing.
References :
The best stuff I found is some muc off chain cleaner, and a toothbrush. (the muc off stuff is not expensive and you get 5 or 6 cleanings with one can)
Spray on the chain cleaner, scrub it with the toothbrush all over, not just the outside, rinse off with water, then dry it (paper towel or old rags)
then apply a decent chain lube.
Do the rear sprocket too, as you get a build up of crud on there too.
some people say remove the chain and soak it in diesel or kerosene, as that will clean it off, but I don’t like taking chains on and off motorbikes, in case they snap at the breaker link.
Cleaning it and lubing thoroughly can also loosen up any links that have become stiff and cause tight spots in the chain.
Wayyyy cheaper than buying a new one!
References :