Thoughts on WD-40 Bike Degreaser?
12-28-18, 10:38 AM
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Thoughts on WD-40 Bike Degreaser?
Santa brought me some WD-40 Bike degreaser. I did as search of the forums and found a lot of posts about using regular WD-40 for things like chain lube, getting rid of squeaks, etc. But nothing about using the bike specific stuff.
Anyone have any experience with the product? I looked at a promo video from WD-40, but the woman was spraying that stuff all over the place. Cassette, chain, etc. Seems like there was a lot of over spray and I worry about it hitting and getting in the hub.
Thoughts? Comments? Ideas?
Anyone have any experience with the product? I looked at a promo video from WD-40, but the woman was spraying that stuff all over the place. Cassette, chain, etc. Seems like there was a lot of over spray and I worry about it hitting and getting in the hub.
Thoughts? Comments? Ideas?
12-28-18, 01:00 PM
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As long as you don't direct the spray at the gaps between moving and stationary parts (axle and dust cap as example) no solvent of any merit should enter the bearing area. Of course one could spray a rag and not the bearinged component too. Andy
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12-28-18, 01:07 PM
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Yeah, I wouldn't worry about stuff getting into properly greased bearing components -- hubs, headsets, bottom brackets. I'm not particularly careful about washing and degunking my bikes -- although I don't use pressure washers -- and when I've inspected the bearing components later they were good as new.
I'll replace the bearings and repack with fresh grease but it's seldom really necessary unless the bike was 20 years old or more and hadn't been serviced at all during that time. Usually the problem with those older bikes has been either the original grease was dried up, or it appeared the bearings had little or no grease to begin with. But there still wasn't any evidence of external debris in the bearings and raceways.
I suspect it would take a direct blast of solvent from a narrow nozzle directly in the crevices around dust seals to penetrate even a little bit.
I'll replace the bearings and repack with fresh grease but it's seldom really necessary unless the bike was 20 years old or more and hadn't been serviced at all during that time. Usually the problem with those older bikes has been either the original grease was dried up, or it appeared the bearings had little or no grease to begin with. But there still wasn't any evidence of external debris in the bearings and raceways.
I suspect it would take a direct blast of solvent from a narrow nozzle directly in the crevices around dust seals to penetrate even a little bit.
12-28-18, 01:07 PM
#4
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Go for it w/ the product and report on the results.
The regular WD-40 is my go-to chemical. I purchase it by the gallon, poured onto rags for cleaning / lubrication / protection, poured into pumps for spraying and I also purchase / use the aerosol cans.
The regular WD-40 is my go-to chemical. I purchase it by the gallon, poured onto rags for cleaning / lubrication / protection, poured into pumps for spraying and I also purchase / use the aerosol cans.
12-28-18, 01:09 PM
#5
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Has the WD 40 company expanded into making a degreaser,? you know they have added an actual chain lube under that brand name ,
separate from the water displacement compound 40th attempt, that made it the household brand name..
separate from the water displacement compound 40th attempt, that made it the household brand name..
12-28-18, 02:06 PM
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used some aerosol bike decreaser one time & it killed my grass. hope that helps
12-28-18, 06:20 PM
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I have been using it for a couple of years. Spray it on the chain and rear gears/derailleur and let sit, then carefully hose off and take the air hose to dry off. Cleans grease and crud off pretty well.
12-28-18, 11:13 PM
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I also by wd40 by the gallon. I decant it into small plastic squeeze bottles I buy at Harbour freight at 3 for a couple dollars . one gets mineral spirits, one gets Alcohol, and one gets wd 40.
When I am cleaning an old dirty bike with caked on grease I will pour some wd40 on a rag and wipe the frame down as a first clean. Ir removes a lot of the schmutz that has accumulated over the years. On dirty derailleurs some wd40 squirted on and then scrubbed with an old tooth brush does wonders.
I don't like using simple green to clean anywhere it can get into bearings. I will wipe down a frame or wheels with it then hose it off and then service the bearings.
Often, when there is an old dirty freewheel with dried up grease I will pour wd 40 into the bearings through the gap in the housing and spin it till everything loosens up. If I really need to flush it out I will follow with alcohol and then when it has dried out will put some 3 in 1 20 weight motor oil in and spin then let the excess drain out.
When I am cleaning an old dirty bike with caked on grease I will pour some wd40 on a rag and wipe the frame down as a first clean. Ir removes a lot of the schmutz that has accumulated over the years. On dirty derailleurs some wd40 squirted on and then scrubbed with an old tooth brush does wonders.
I don't like using simple green to clean anywhere it can get into bearings. I will wipe down a frame or wheels with it then hose it off and then service the bearings.
Often, when there is an old dirty freewheel with dried up grease I will pour wd 40 into the bearings through the gap in the housing and spin it till everything loosens up. If I really need to flush it out I will follow with alcohol and then when it has dried out will put some 3 in 1 20 weight motor oil in and spin then let the excess drain out.
12-28-18, 11:26 PM
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Thanks folks. I've been using a biodegradable degreaser on my chain for a while. But now that I've read a bit about WD-40 Bike, I'll give it shot come spring.
12-28-18, 11:47 PM
#11
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Why wait 'till Spring?
Move down south and enjoy daily bicycle riding in a tee shirt and shorts.
Move down south and enjoy daily bicycle riding in a tee shirt and shorts.
12-29-18, 01:00 AM
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JoeTBM (The Bike Man) - I'm a black & white type of guy, the only gray in my life is the hair on my head
www.TheBikeMenOfFlaglerCounty.com
JoeTBM (The Bike Man) - I'm a black & white type of guy, the only gray in my life is the hair on my head
www.TheBikeMenOfFlaglerCounty.com
12-29-18, 07:04 AM
#13
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Ah, but ksryder, as I always like to point out on these forums, people come here to make friends and interact with real-live humans, even when they know they can get pre-fabricated instant answers from high-paid marketing directors on Google. Perhaps you are part of the generation that, unfortunately, has grown up in the "Just-Google-It" era, but that does not obligate you to scold others for wanting input from real people. Live and let live, man.
