WD40, Why Not ?

jedi_master

I have read on this board a few times that WD40 is not the best thing to use, i was just wondering why ? i have been using it on my chain and cassette after washing the bike down to dispel water then after the water has been dispelled i use a cloth to remove the excess WD40, after that i use a finishline chain lube.

nicklouse

fine you are using it as it should be. most people dont.

Rockhopper

Thats how i use it as well. WD means Water Displacing and it was the 40th attempt they had at making it.

Its a very light lube that's not suitable for oiling chain type applications.

Marek-Mex

yep!! as nicklouse said, most people don't. cause wd-40 remove every thing and with the time with out lube, is not so good for any component.

jedi_master

Oh i see, it's not it shouldn't be used it most don't use it correctly.

ride_whenever

Not to mention it'll nicely flush out the grease from poorly sealed hubs, and goes everywhere, and is magnetically attracted to discs...

nicklouse

Jedi Master wrote:

Oh i see, it's not it shouldn't be used it most don't use it correctly.

Most of the time people are wanting to use it as a lube.

it is a good degreaser /water displacer and great for rust "proofing" the inside of steel frames. that is the good side, it can also degrade some rubbers, contaminate pads.

there are also better release agents out there such as Plus Gas.

jedi_master

nicklouse wrote:

it can also degrade some rubbers, contaminate pads.

there are also better release agents out there such as Plus Gas.

What about GT85 or Muc-Off Bike Spray? both these can displace water you or anyone else know if they degrade some rubbers and contaminate pads?

As far as i can see though there's no rubber near where i'm spraying except the seal thats behind the cone which is just inside the freehub body.

nicklouse

gt85 is an oil again, so keep away from pads. on a bike with discs no oils should be sprayed near it. apply with a cloth.

Muck off can be got on the brakes but the brakes feel "off" for a few uses. ( i would keep it off the pads my self).

jedi_master

Not so worried about brakes pads as i don't have discs i have HS33 so the cassette and chain ain't any ware near the brakes, more interested with not damaging any rubber seals, then again its only one seal which seems to be out the way.

Although when the WD runs out i might give the muc off stuff a try, have had good results with other stuff of theirs that i've used.

ride_whenever

i'd keep WD for what it is designed for, i usually take the chain off and apply it to dry the thing off, the radiator also helps.

Will Snow

people who use wd as lube, for anything in the world, should be shot. any good mechanic will tell you that...

supersonic

My can of WD40 has gone.... rusty!

The Big Cheese

I only use GT85 on my chain after it has been scrubbed - prior to lubing

And to polish/protect my bike frame..... forms a nice thin protective coat that makes it harder for mud to stick to it.

dave_hill

I've been using WD40 (and occasionally GT85) as a push-iron drive-train and cable lube for nearly 20 years.

I wash my bike off, shake off excess water, then remove the wheels and pads and spray it liberally all over everything. Dry cloth to wipe off the excess, pads and discs back in and job done.

Never once had any trouble.

Marjory Stewart BAxtor

the only real use I've found for WD40 is a rust remover, and even then I'd say it was 80% elbow grease 15% stiff brush and 5% WD40 that contributed to the result

gthang

I like the smell of WD40

cee

gthang wrote:

I like the smell of WD40

i like the taste

chrisgidden

Does it not act as a bit of a megnet for dirt\grit as well though? I heard if used on the cassettes etc. it can cause them to wear out faster.