WD40 for chain lube

MKMX
Profile picture for user MKMX
Posts
493
Joined
3/3/2021
Location
Timbuktu, WA AU
MKMX 4/22/2021 9:30am
4/22/2021 9:30am
Some lube’s better than no lube, I guess.

I know riders who ran nothing but WD40 or CRC 5.56 and never had any issues.

I personally just run motorex off road chain lube, WD40 is a solvent which can have adverse effects on seals and is designed to break down grease.

Side note... the WD in WD40 stands for water dispersant.
Moto520
Profile picture for user Moto520
Posts
3623
Joined
2/4/2013
Location
Schaumburg, IL US
Moto520 4/22/2021 9:34am
4/22/2021 9:34am
I guess this would depend on the type of riding. If going out for a 10 minute race on the local level....i would be fine with the WD40. For a 30 minute long ride or whatever....i would prefer to have a sticky chain lube to keep it from squeaking.
Broseph
Profile picture for user Broseph
Posts
1188
Joined
4/28/2018
Location
Stevenson, WA US
Broseph 4/22/2021 9:39am
4/22/2021 9:39am
Goes on as thin as WD40, penetrates under the rollers, but then actually dries and collects no dust:


5
Titan1
Profile picture for user Titan1
Posts
9409
Joined
2/3/2010
Location
Lehi, UT US
Titan1 4/22/2021 9:39am
4/22/2021 9:39am
I haven’t lubed a chain in about 5 years...I got about 60 hours out of the stock chain and sprockets on my 2019 YZ450FX before I got rid of it (replaced with a 21 YZ450FX)...I didn’t do anything to the chain at all.
7

The Shop

See All »
Black Diesel Bomber 4/22/2021 9:42am
4/22/2021 9:42am
Titan1 wrote:
I haven’t lubed a chain in about 5 years...I got about 60 hours out of the stock chain and sprockets on my 2019 YZ450FX before I...
I haven’t lubed a chain in about 5 years...I got about 60 hours out of the stock chain and sprockets on my 2019 YZ450FX before I got rid of it (replaced with a 21 YZ450FX)...I didn’t do anything to the chain at all.
Hahahaha, well there you have it folks! Thanks for testing for us Titan.

I guess that's why my WD40 being a "non lubricant" works just fine.
1
1
Timo
Profile picture for user Timo
Posts
1405
Joined
1/9/2021
Location
Wichita, KS US
Timo 4/22/2021 9:46am
4/22/2021 9:46am
I like tri-flow, keeps my chain and sprockets much cleaner than chain lube. I do use wd after washing for rust prevention.
2
Black Diesel Bomber 4/22/2021 9:51am
4/22/2021 9:51am
Timo wrote:
I like tri-flow, keeps my chain and sprockets much cleaner than chain lube. I do use wd after washing for rust prevention.
I used tri-flow for kart racing and it's a great product. If I didn't use WD40 for my bikes I would definitely try out tri-flow in the dirt to see how clean it is. Based on your experience it sounds like it stays clean and that's a win win.
gt80rider
Profile picture for user gt80rider
Posts
6902
Joined
4/19/2008
Location
Boulder, CO US
gt80rider 4/22/2021 9:58am
4/22/2021 9:58am
ratbeagle139 wrote:
WD40 is solvent based, not petroleum. As soon as your chain warms up all it's doing is attracting dust. It has zero ability to penetrate and...
WD40 is solvent based, not petroleum. As soon as your chain warms up all it's doing is attracting dust. It has zero ability to penetrate and lubricate roller pins. As others have said, its great for preventing rust after washing but try and use a real chain lube/wax before riding. In comparison your chain and sprockets will last wayyyy longer as well.
Doesn't penetrate?? Have you ever used it before??

A lot of snake oil out there......
1
GrapeApe
Profile picture for user GrapeApe
Posts
8761
Joined
6/7/2010
Location
Mc Kinney, TX US
GrapeApe 4/22/2021 10:03am
4/22/2021 10:03am
Titan1 wrote:
I haven’t lubed a chain in about 5 years...I got about 60 hours out of the stock chain and sprockets on my 2019 YZ450FX before I...
I haven’t lubed a chain in about 5 years...I got about 60 hours out of the stock chain and sprockets on my 2019 YZ450FX before I got rid of it (replaced with a 21 YZ450FX)...I didn’t do anything to the chain at all.
Black Diesel Bomber wrote:
Hahahaha, well there you have it folks! Thanks for testing for us Titan.

I guess that's why my WD40 being a "non lubricant" works just fine.
Of course it "works". I know guys that run their chain totally dry and it "works", as in the chain still pulls on the sprocket and turns the wheel. But don't you think there would be less drag and friction with a thin layer of lube between the metal contact points? In my OCD head drag and friction are the enemy of power.

Muc-Off's dry lube is very light, doesn't fling off, and doesn't attract contaminants.
1
RichieW13
Profile picture for user RichieW13
Posts
2408
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Thousand Oaks, CA US
RichieW13 4/22/2021 10:06am
4/22/2021 10:06am
J-Mill wrote:
For our o-ring and x-ring chains we use only WD-40. For our smaller bikes with roller chains we’ll put a shot of WD on after the...
For our o-ring and x-ring chains we use only WD-40. For our smaller bikes with roller chains we’ll put a shot of WD on after the bike gets washed but use Maxima chain wax for lubrication.
O and X-ring chains seal grease inside the rollers so you can get away with WD only and have a nice clean chain all the time.
Yeah, all my riding is off-road. I always get O/X-ring chains. Supposedly all the lubrication is sealed in. I WD-40 after washing the bike, just to keep the chain from rusting. I've never had a problem with my chains.
1
Titan1
Profile picture for user Titan1
Posts
9409
Joined
2/3/2010
Location
Lehi, UT US
Titan1 4/22/2021 10:08am
4/22/2021 10:08am Edited Date/Time 4/22/2021 10:10am
Titan1 wrote:
I haven’t lubed a chain in about 5 years...I got about 60 hours out of the stock chain and sprockets on my 2019 YZ450FX before I...
I haven’t lubed a chain in about 5 years...I got about 60 hours out of the stock chain and sprockets on my 2019 YZ450FX before I got rid of it (replaced with a 21 YZ450FX)...I didn’t do anything to the chain at all.
Black Diesel Bomber wrote:
Hahahaha, well there you have it folks! Thanks for testing for us Titan.

I guess that's why my WD40 being a "non lubricant" works just fine.
GrapeApe wrote:
Of course it "works". I know guys that run their chain totally dry and it "works", as in the chain still pulls on the sprocket and...
Of course it "works". I know guys that run their chain totally dry and it "works", as in the chain still pulls on the sprocket and turns the wheel. But don't you think there would be less drag and friction with a thin layer of lube between the metal contact points? In my OCD head drag and friction are the enemy of power.

Muc-Off's dry lube is very light, doesn't fling off, and doesn't attract contaminants.
I’d say your right...but let’s be real...none of us are coming close to using all the power that these modern 250’s and 450‘s produce...and even if we did, we aren’t going to notice a little extra drag from the chain, robbing 1/100th of one horsepower.
5
GrapeApe
Profile picture for user GrapeApe
Posts
8761
Joined
6/7/2010
Location
Mc Kinney, TX US
GrapeApe 4/22/2021 10:09am
4/22/2021 10:09am
Black Diesel Bomber wrote:
Hahahaha, well there you have it folks! Thanks for testing for us Titan.

I guess that's why my WD40 being a "non lubricant" works just fine.
GrapeApe wrote:
Of course it "works". I know guys that run their chain totally dry and it "works", as in the chain still pulls on the sprocket and...
Of course it "works". I know guys that run their chain totally dry and it "works", as in the chain still pulls on the sprocket and turns the wheel. But don't you think there would be less drag and friction with a thin layer of lube between the metal contact points? In my OCD head drag and friction are the enemy of power.

Muc-Off's dry lube is very light, doesn't fling off, and doesn't attract contaminants.
Titan1 wrote:
I’d say your right...but let’s be real...none of us are coming close to using all the power that these modern 250’s and 450‘s produce...and even if...
I’d say your right...but let’s be real...none of us are coming close to using all the power that these modern 250’s and 450‘s produce...and even if we did, we aren’t going to notice a little extra drag from the chain, robbing 1/100th of one horsepower.
You're right, but that doesn't help me with my OCD lol
1
Robbirob25
Profile picture for user Robbirob25
Posts
404
Joined
11/19/2007
Location
Fort Wayne, IN US
Robbirob25 4/22/2021 10:10am
4/22/2021 10:10am
Black Diesel Bomber wrote:
Hahahaha, well there you have it folks! Thanks for testing for us Titan.

I guess that's why my WD40 being a "non lubricant" works just fine.
GrapeApe wrote:
Of course it "works". I know guys that run their chain totally dry and it "works", as in the chain still pulls on the sprocket and...
Of course it "works". I know guys that run their chain totally dry and it "works", as in the chain still pulls on the sprocket and turns the wheel. But don't you think there would be less drag and friction with a thin layer of lube between the metal contact points? In my OCD head drag and friction are the enemy of power.

Muc-Off's dry lube is very light, doesn't fling off, and doesn't attract contaminants.
Titan1 wrote:
I’d say your right...but let’s be real...none of us are coming close to using all the power that these modern 250’s and 450‘s produce...and even if...
I’d say your right...but let’s be real...none of us are coming close to using all the power that these modern 250’s and 450‘s produce...and even if we did, we aren’t going to notice a little extra drag from the chain, robbing 1/100th of one horsepower.
^^^100% This^^^
Titan1
Profile picture for user Titan1
Posts
9409
Joined
2/3/2010
Location
Lehi, UT US
Titan1 4/22/2021 10:14am
4/22/2021 10:14am
GrapeApe wrote:
Of course it "works". I know guys that run their chain totally dry and it "works", as in the chain still pulls on the sprocket and...
Of course it "works". I know guys that run their chain totally dry and it "works", as in the chain still pulls on the sprocket and turns the wheel. But don't you think there would be less drag and friction with a thin layer of lube between the metal contact points? In my OCD head drag and friction are the enemy of power.

Muc-Off's dry lube is very light, doesn't fling off, and doesn't attract contaminants.
Titan1 wrote:
I’d say your right...but let’s be real...none of us are coming close to using all the power that these modern 250’s and 450‘s produce...and even if...
I’d say your right...but let’s be real...none of us are coming close to using all the power that these modern 250’s and 450‘s produce...and even if we did, we aren’t going to notice a little extra drag from the chain, robbing 1/100th of one horsepower.
GrapeApe wrote:
You're right, but that doesn't help me with my OCD lol
Haha!

You’re on your own for that!
Black Diesel Bomber 4/22/2021 10:18am
4/22/2021 10:18am
Titan1 wrote:
I haven’t lubed a chain in about 5 years...I got about 60 hours out of the stock chain and sprockets on my 2019 YZ450FX before I...
I haven’t lubed a chain in about 5 years...I got about 60 hours out of the stock chain and sprockets on my 2019 YZ450FX before I got rid of it (replaced with a 21 YZ450FX)...I didn’t do anything to the chain at all.
Black Diesel Bomber wrote:
Hahahaha, well there you have it folks! Thanks for testing for us Titan.

I guess that's why my WD40 being a "non lubricant" works just fine.
GrapeApe wrote:
Of course it "works". I know guys that run their chain totally dry and it "works", as in the chain still pulls on the sprocket and...
Of course it "works". I know guys that run their chain totally dry and it "works", as in the chain still pulls on the sprocket and turns the wheel. But don't you think there would be less drag and friction with a thin layer of lube between the metal contact points? In my OCD head drag and friction are the enemy of power.

Muc-Off's dry lube is very light, doesn't fling off, and doesn't attract contaminants.
I get the argument for chain lube but I'm OCD as well and sand blasting comes to mind when you see this. That's why I think this argument is like splitting hairs. You have WD40 that's supposedly "non lubricating" but stays clean without sand blasting the chain/sprocket, and then you have the most "lubricating" products that are a magnet for sand/dirt to sand blast the chain/sprockets. Obviously, there is no wrong choice because everything seems to work, even no lube per Titan Smile

Maxima seems to be the Vital favorite but look how much sand/dirt it accumulates:




STLSharky
Profile picture for user STLSharky
Posts
464
Joined
11/12/2016
Location
Edwardsville, IL US
STLSharky 4/22/2021 10:19am
4/22/2021 10:19am
Goofy Foot wrote:
Who uses only WD40 for chain lube? It’s a non messy solution that works correct?
Good for a moto or to clean the chain
STLSharky
Profile picture for user STLSharky
Posts
464
Joined
11/12/2016
Location
Edwardsville, IL US
STLSharky 4/22/2021 10:22am
4/22/2021 10:22am
mxaaron wrote:
I actually did a comparison, and ran one full life of a DID ERT3 chain using only WD, and one full life of the exact same...
I actually did a comparison, and ran one full life of a DID ERT3 chain using only WD, and one full life of the exact same chain using Chain Wax. Of course with the WD, you have to lube every moto as it slings off pretty quick. Final results, I got the exact same life out (measured in hours) of both chains. And of course, I use WD after every wash.

That's about as scientific as this dirt biker can get. The moral of the story though, is that I try to use chain lube, but if I have WD, i run it without any worries.
Great job!
1

Pit Row

See All »
ZOBITO
Profile picture for user ZOBITO
Posts
572
Joined
9/6/2020
Location
MX
ZOBITO 4/22/2021 11:25am
4/22/2021 11:25am
Been using O and Xrings with WD40 for ages and lived happily ever after.
Wink
Blue Groove 4/22/2021 11:26am
4/22/2021 11:26am
ratbeagle139 wrote:
WD40 is solvent based, not petroleum. As soon as your chain warms up all it's doing is attracting dust. It has zero ability to penetrate and...
WD40 is solvent based, not petroleum. As soon as your chain warms up all it's doing is attracting dust. It has zero ability to penetrate and lubricate roller pins. As others have said, its great for preventing rust after washing but try and use a real chain lube/wax before riding. In comparison your chain and sprockets will last wayyyy longer as well.
Not that it really matters for this conversation but an FYI, solvents are derived from petroleum products...... oil and natural gas.

I use wd40 on o/x-ring chains. Works fine.
2
byke
Profile picture for user byke
Posts
2952
Joined
8/12/2015
Location
Auburn, CA US
byke 4/22/2021 11:27am
4/22/2021 11:27am
I haven't used a proper chain lube for years, only WD40. It's nice because there's no gunk build up, so it's really easy to clean.

It actually is a lubricant and does contain petroleum.
3
1
Zycki11
Profile picture for user Zycki11
Posts
7698
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Edwardsville, IL US
Zycki11 4/22/2021 11:37am
4/22/2021 11:37am
Chain lube sticks to the chain better. Use it for riding, Wd40 after washing and for the header pipe.
mxaaron
Profile picture for user mxaaron
Posts
481
Joined
12/4/2007
Location
Richland , WA US
mxaaron 4/22/2021 12:40pm
4/22/2021 12:40pm
Another nice thing, admittedly, is that Costco sells a three pack of chain lube for $10.99. I mean WD. Wink
3
tek14
Profile picture for user tek14
Posts
4903
Joined
1/26/2014
Location
Vantaa FI
tek14 4/22/2021 12:49pm
4/22/2021 12:49pm
Some riders are using motor oil for chains its cheapest stuff for sure and works.
1
philG
Profile picture for user philG
Posts
10863
Joined
5/12/2012
Location
GB
philG 4/22/2021 12:52pm
4/22/2021 12:52pm
Black Diesel Bomber wrote:
It's the other way around actually...plenty of guys use only WD40 with no issues.
I piss on mine , never had an issue either.

What is 'an issue'.
1
2
Black Diesel Bomber 4/22/2021 12:54pm
4/22/2021 12:54pm
Black Diesel Bomber wrote:
It's the other way around actually...plenty of guys use only WD40 with no issues.
philG wrote:
I piss on mine , never had an issue either.

What is 'an issue'.
Excess wear or shortened chain/sprocket life, and excessive gooey mess that attracts sand/dirt. None of this with WD40.
Madmax31
Profile picture for user Madmax31
Posts
2136
Joined
1/7/2009
Location
Cincinnati, OH US
Fantasy
205th
Madmax31 4/22/2021 1:03pm
4/22/2021 1:03pm
Goofy Foot wrote:
Who uses only WD40 for chain lube? It’s a non messy solution that works correct?
I used to work at a motorcycle shop in my youth. A chain rep once told me to quit using WD-40 as it actually caused the chain to run hotter than if it had nothing. That's what we found from testing...that it's better with nothing than using WD40.

He didn't sell chain lube so don't think he was lying. So I never used it again.

Does it really matter that much? I doubt it.
sgrimmxdad 4/22/2021 1:05pm
4/22/2021 1:05pm
After a wash we dry chain with an air gun then soak all metal parts down with WD40. Before the next ride I apply a coat of Maxima clean lube and wipe off the excess with a papertowel!
Zycki11
Profile picture for user Zycki11
Posts
7698
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Edwardsville, IL US
Zycki11 4/22/2021 1:34pm
4/22/2021 1:34pm
sgrimmxdad wrote:
After a wash we dry chain with an air gun then soak all metal parts down with WD40. Before the next ride I apply a coat...
After a wash we dry chain with an air gun then soak all metal parts down with WD40. Before the next ride I apply a coat of Maxima clean lube and wipe off the excess with a papertowel!
Agreed, maxima clean line is where it is at.
mtl
Profile picture for user mtl
Posts
1240
Joined
9/26/2011
Location
CA US
mtl 4/22/2021 1:40pm
4/22/2021 1:40pm
+1 for the Dupont stuff.

Dries well and chains last for 50+ hours if you lube every moto.
1

Post a reply to: WD40 for chain lube