best product for cleaning chains & bearings?

[jerrylee]

I've read that WD-40 isn't a good product for cleaning chains, but I've always soaked old frozen chains in WD-40 and they've always come back to life. I usually soak bearings in WD-40 as well and have never had any problems. I always wipe the WD-40 off before I re-install the bearings or chains. Is there a better product to use for this purpose?

 

[Pete]

If you just want to remove gunk & hardened old grease then you can't beat electrical contact cleaner. A cheaper option would be white spirit (paint thinners) which works a treat if you leave the parts to soak.

EDIT: If you've never had a problem with WD40 then I wouldn't worry to much. The proof is in the pudding, as they say ...

 

[new_dharma]

mmmm...pudding!

i use Purple Power or Super Clean (soak overnight)
rinse well
soak in Hydraulic Fluid (hour)

 

[ponytailmike]

for my chains i've started by soaking in a can of parts cleaner (from auto parts store)
usualy over night. then a washing with simple green. then i'll boil the chain in
bees wax and pariffin wax. good waterproof protection and dirt won't stick to the chain.
also as a plus the chain won't get your hands greasy

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=6448&p=65841#p65841

 

[Crassly]

I have a bucket of carb cleaner I got from NAPA Auto parts. It is environmentally friendly and safe to use. Soak the greasy parts overninght and rinse and they are squeeky clean. There is also a similar product on the market called Evapo-rust that dissolves rust overnight. I have had very good luck cleaning up old chains, etc. Not cheap @ $20 a gallon, but can be used a couple times before it loses it's kick.

 

[socal_jack]

I just use lacquer thinner.

 

[skoda]

I just use lacquer thinner.

Me too, on grease. I like odorless mineral spirits now, you can re-use it if you keep it in a jar or can and just drop in the grungy old bearings, cups, etc, in a few minutes they're ready to be rinsed. Blast them with some brake parts cleaner or just wipe with a rag or two. The mineral spirits seem to be a little oily and break down the old grease, not as much caustic stink either.

As for rusty chains, I leave them on the bike tensioned and get them oily, then a few minutes later hit em with a Dremel brush and get all the way around, flex the chain, and go link by link.

 

[ifitsfreeitsforme]

i used to use carb cleaner a lot, and still do for really tough jobs, but lately i've been using kerosene. They sell small bottles of it at Wmart in the camping section. leaves a nice thin layer of lube behind.

 

[GodHatesCleveland]

I don't think cleaning a chain with WD-40 is a problem at all, just be sure it's outta there before you ride and don't use it as a final lubricant.There's several brands of lube made just for chains which you can get at the local bike store.

http://bicycletutor.com/no-wd40-bike-chain/

Mmmm, pudding....

 

[brandonehansen]

Here's a great biodegradeable option that works really well.....plus he's a good pal of mine.
http://web.mac.com/eldukedegreaser/El_Duke_Degreaser_/Home.html

 

[Anonymous]

I just clean/soak greasy parts with gas.Its only $4.00 a gallon.

 

[sensor]

wax and grease remover from my local paint(automotive)supplier