Chain / Sprocket Cleaning

1013 said:

I would like to remove my chain to clean it properly since there is a lot of
build up of dirt and grime. I am pretty sure the chain is a Shimano chain
and I have read that you need special tools to remove it.

Is there a single rivet that needs to be removed or does every link along
the chain use a rivet which can be removed? The problem is my chain is so
dirty I cannot see a thing.

How much does the tool cost to remove the rivet? Are master links which
allow easy chain removal just as strong as rivets?

Thanks in advance.

Photos of the chain, etc:
http://users.bigpond.net.au/sk/mtb1.jpg
http://users.bigpond.net.au/sk/chain1.jpg
http://users.bigpond.net.au/sk/chain2.jpg
http://users.bigpond.net.au/sk/chain3.jpg

I wouldn't do it if I was you.

Zoom

"1013" wrote in message ...

Quoted message said:

I would like to remove my chain to clean it properly since there is a lot
of
build up of dirt and grime. I am pretty sure the chain is a Shimano chain
and I have read that you need special tools to remove it.

Nice ride, but damn that running gear is a mess... get a chain breaker and
get to work cleaning that monster... to rejoin a chain, I would recommend
using these: http://tinyurl.com/exf4y they come in all sizes etc, and work
an absolute treat for chain removal...

If you are in Doncaster as your email suggests, go see Andy at BikePro on
Whitehorse Rd, he should have them in stock..

I'd suggest NEVER treating your chain/running gear like that again, that
thing has to be dropping balls of cakey black [censored] everywhere!.. I'd be
cleaning it up before adding more lube each time...

cheers,
GPL

I’m no expert, but my personal endeavours of removing a drive chain of a bike has left it useless for re-use (using a chain breaker tool thingy).
I know that some new chains (non-Shimano) can had a real tight connecting link, which requires a lot of work to free-up after the reinstall.
(Shimano chains have a funky link pin that’s tapers slightly so when installed it does seem to force the link plates together & bind).
There is the other type of circlip like connecting link which is a no-tools, no-brainer operation, SRAM?

Looking at the photos I would dismantle the rear derailleur for a clean-up & grease, & then spray the chain with WD-40 & turn it through a rag a few times.

GPLama said:

"1013" wrote in message ...

Quoted message said:

I would like to remove my chain to clean it properly since there is a lot
of
build up of dirt and grime. I am pretty sure the chain is a Shimano chain
and I have read that you need special tools to remove it.

Nice ride, but damn that running gear is a mess... get a chain breaker and
get to work cleaning that monster... to rejoin a chain, I would recommend
using these: http://tinyurl.com/exf4y they come in all sizes etc, and work
an absolute treat for chain removal...

Seconded. I have a chain breaker floating around in my unit somewhere;
if you want to borrow it, drop me an email. (The From: address on this
message will work until the 18th or so of August.) I live in Mitcham, by
the way.

Quoted message said:

I'd suggest NEVER treating your chain/running gear like that again, that
thing has to be dropping balls of cakey black [censored] everywhere!.. I'd be
cleaning it up before adding more lube each time...

It reminds me of my chain before I pulled out the chain breaker and
cleaned it up in kero (speaking of which, I also have an ultrasonic
cleaner. BYO kero, though.) Unfortunately, I didn't have the lube to
finish the job. Whoops.

--
My Usenet From: address now expires after two weeks. If you email me, and
the mail bounces, try changing the bit before the "@ to usenet".

1013 said:

I would like to remove my chain to clean it properly since there is a lot of
build up of dirt and grime. I am pretty sure the chain is a Shimano chain
and I have read that you need special tools to remove it.

Chain breaker/ Chain tool, but if you are planning on removing the
chain regularly you should buy a chain with a removable link or have a
link installed on your existing chain?

Here is an example of a chain tool:
http://www.parktool.com/tools/CT_3.shtml

; Not sure on how much th

Quoted message said:

How much does the tool cost to remove the rivet? Are master links which
allow easy chain removal just as strong as rivet

Read these postings:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chains.html
http://yarchive.net/bike/chain_clean.html
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/brandt/chain-care.html

And then figure out whats good for you 🙂

I use a chain cleaner machine: http://www.parktool.com/tools/CM_5.shtml
along with a chain whip, cassette lock ring remover, rags and a
toothbrush to clean my drivetrain. I use kerosene to remove the muck.
Be very careful not to get the kero in your hubs/bottom bracket

Aaargh! That's disgusting! Just an ordinary chain breaker and an old jar
full of kero would be my first thoughts. Alternatively, I sometimes use one
of those chain washing rigs that hook on to your chain/rear derailer and
fill it with kero. You'd probably want to replace the kero in the rig about
20 times on that lump of muck! Not sure how these two methods compare but
I've always been happy after using the hook on rig.

Good luck.

--
Bean

Remove "yourfinger" before replying
"1013" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I would like to remove my chain to clean it properly since there is a lot

of

Quoted message said:

build up of dirt and grime. I am pretty sure the chain is a Shimano chain
and I have read that you need special tools to remove it.

Is there a single rivet that needs to be removed or does every link along
the chain use a rivet which can be removed? The problem is my chain is so
dirty I cannot see a thing.

How much does the tool cost to remove the rivet? Are master links which
allow easy chain removal just as strong as rivets?

Thanks in advance.

Photos of the chain, etc:
http://users.bigpond.net.au/sk/mtb1.jpg
http://users.bigpond.net.au/sk/chain1.jpg
http://users.bigpond.net.au/sk/chain2.jpg
http://users.bigpond.net.au/sk/chain3.jpg

Thanks guys for your advice.

I actually live in Sydney. My e-mail address is unrelated to my
name/location.

I will probably have to take my bike to a bike shop and get the chain
removed and a removable link put on.

"GPLama" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"1013" wrote in message ...

Quoted message said:

I would like to remove my chain to clean it properly since there is a lot
of
build up of dirt and grime. I am pretty sure the chain is a Shimano

chain

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

and I have read that you need special tools to remove it.

Nice ride, but damn that running gear is a mess... get a chain breaker and
get to work cleaning that monster... to rejoin a chain, I would recommend
using these: http://tinyurl.com/exf4y they come in all sizes etc, and

work

Quoted message said:

an absolute treat for chain removal...

If you are in Doncaster as your email suggests, go see Andy at BikePro on
Whitehorse Rd, he should have them in stock..

I'd suggest NEVER treating your chain/running gear like that again, that
thing has to be dropping balls of cakey black [censored] everywhere!.. I'd be
cleaning it up before adding more lube each time...

cheers,
GPL

Do you use kero to clean or another product?

"Marx SS" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I'm no expert, but my personal endeavours of removing a drive chain of a
bike has left it useless for re-use.
I know that some new chains (non-Shimano) can had a real tight
connecting link, which requires a lot of work to free-up after the
reinstall.
(Shimano chains have a funky link pin that's tapers slightly so when
installed it does seem to force the link plates together & bind).
There is the other type of circlip like connecting link which is a
no-tools, no-brainer operation, SRAM?

Looking at the photos I would dismantle the rear derailleur for a
clean-up & grease, & then spray the chain with WD-40 & turn it through
a rag a few times.

--
Marx SS

"1013" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I would like to remove my chain to clean it properly since there is a lot

of

Quoted message said:

build up of dirt and grime. I am pretty sure the chain is a Shimano chain
and I have read that you need special tools to remove it.

Is there a single rivet that needs to be removed or does every link along
the chain use a rivet which can be removed? The problem is my chain is so
dirty I cannot see a thing.

How much does the tool cost to remove the rivet? Are master links which
allow easy chain removal just as strong as rivets?

I'd remove the chain using a chain breaker, then give it a thorough clean.
My preferred method is to soak in kero, but other solvents may be better -
petrol has more nasties and catches fire more easily, so avoid that. I know
people who seal the chain and kero in a container, Put a load in the washing
machine and tape the container to the lid, and put a load through the
machine. All that vibration really gets the gunk out. I can't get away with
that method, so just swoosh it around with my hands - should wear gloves.
Empty the dirty kero, and repeat, until the kero stays clean (or very
close). This means there's no more dirt on or in the chain. You can recycle
the solvent buy filtering it into a container, and then allowing the grit to
settle before transferring to a new container. It never gets completely
clean, so I use the recycled stuff for the first couple of cleans - not
rinses.

To rejoin the chain, Shimano sell special joining pins (last time I bought
one I think it was less than $2). They strongly recommend against reusing
the pin you pushed out. Alternatively, buy a joiner link - SRAM, Craig Super
Links, and others all work well. Now you can take the chain off and clean it
regularly. I really like that feature of joining links.

Allow the chain to dry, then relube with lube of your choice. I like wax
lubes for their cleanliness, but find they can lead to squeaking chains
quickly, so nowadays I use a combo wet/wax lube (White Lightning Extreme).
Not as clean, but doesn't squeak as quickly. Wipe off excess lube. Ride.

HTH

Tony F
http://www.thefathippy.com

"alex" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I use a chain cleaner machine: http://www.parktool.com/tools/CM_5.shtml
along with a chain whip, cassette lock ring remover, rags and a
toothbrush to clean my drivetrain. I use kerosene to remove the muck.
Be very careful not to get the kero in your hubs/bottom bracket

The chain cleaner machine look alright but I think my chain, etc needs
something more since there is such a large build up of grime.

I have read varying reports on the effectiveness of those machines (less
thorough clean compared with soaking a chain in kero or a citrus degreaser
but they seem to require the least effort compared with removing a chain.

1013 said:

"alex" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

Quoted message said:

I have read varying reports on the effectiveness of those machines (less
thorough clean compared with soaking a chain in kero or a citrus degreaser
but they seem to require the least effort compared with removing a chain.

yep.. nothing beats taking the chain off.. but I don't have a link on
mine 🙂

As the status quo on the replies have been to clean in kero etc (I have used turps once – left over from painting the house), then I can’t see any problem in just removing your rear wheel & threading out the chain off the rear derailleur & front chain wheels, & just soak half of it for a spell & then the other half, giving it abit of a scrub with an old toothbrush (or equiv) in between.
I go through heaps of rags too & mess a hell of a mess when I clean my chain like this.

At least this way the awkwardness you have to put up with doing the clean means you don’t have to worry about breaking the chain.

I re-lube with WD-40 first, run it through a rag heaps & then re-lube with proper bicycle chain lube. (Motorcycle chain lube is a little too heavy of this – I’ve found).

Even after all this I still get some grinding noises from the chain for the next 30kms, but it goes away, eventually …….

alex said:

1013 said:

"alex" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

Quoted message said:

I have read varying reports on the effectiveness of those machines (less
thorough clean compared with soaking a chain in kero or a citrus degreaser
but they seem to require the least effort compared with removing a chain.

yep.. nothing beats taking the chain off.. but I don't have a link on
mine 🙂

Breaking and rejoining a Shimano chain often ends in tears. Despite the
technology there still seems to be an element of luck involved in
getting it right, and you often end up having to do more than one join.

If it ain't broke, don't break it.

Zoom

Push out the link with a chain breaker. Clean the chain with a nice organic degreaser (Kenco is great if you dont like the environment). Buy a shimano 9 speed joining link (about $3) and push it in with the chain breaker. The latest shimano links are very easy to feel when it is in the correct position. If the link ends up stiff try using the chain breaker to push the link either way a fraction and you will find it loosens up.

Then use a proper chain lube on the chain. I personally wouldn't let WD40, RP7 etc anywhere near my chain due to their effect of dispersing oil (they work quite well in cleaning up gunked up parts). If you do use them then you really should degrease your chain anyhow. Then your back to applying a proper lubricant anyhow.

If you have a cassette tool remove your cassette and clean it up using the degreaser also. If you dont remove the cassette be careful when using degreaser and the washing it off with a hose as you can inadvertantly force degreaser into your hub / freewheel bearings. Another option for the cassette is to remove the wheel from your bike and clean the cassette with a rag.

This all might sound like bit of a big job but when you have the chain clean and lubbed but some routine maintenance keeps it pretty good with minimal effort. I generally run the chain through a rag and give the cassette a rag clean every couple of weeks. Then reapply lubricant. Keeps it all looking nice and shiny. (especially when you have a higher end cassette)

In article <[email hidden]>,

1013 said:

there is such a large build up of grime

It doesn't look pretty, but damage occurs on the inside of the chain,
out of sight, and is caused by fine grit, not large clumps.

--
Shane Stanley

1013 said:

I would like to remove my chain to clean it properly since there is a lot of
build up of dirt and grime. I am pretty sure the chain is a Shimano chain
and I have read that you need special tools to remove it.

Is there a single rivet that needs to be removed or does every link along
the chain use a rivet which can be removed? The problem is my chain is so
dirty I cannot see a thing.

How much does the tool cost to remove the rivet? Are master links which
allow easy chain removal just as strong as rivets?

Thanks in advance.

Photos of the chain, etc:
http://users.bigpond.net.au/sk/mtb1.jpg
http://users.bigpond.net.au/sk/chain1.jpg
http://users.bigpond.net.au/sk/chain2.jpg
http://users.bigpond.net.au/sk/chain3.jpg

If it's been that bad for a while I reckon your chain is probably
knackered anyway. Time to check the cassette and chainrings too.

I've been using Connex joining links on all my bikes for years now. 8
and 9 speed links only cost <$10 each and last forever (more or less)
and they don't require tools to take off or put back on.

--
Nick

Paulie-AU said:

Push out the link with a chain breaker. Clean the chain with a nice
organic degreaser (Kenco is great if you dont like the environment).
Buy a shimano 9 speed joining link (about $3) and push it in with the
chain breaker. The latest shimano links are very easy to feel when it
is in the correct position. If the link ends up stiff try using the
chain breaker to push the link either way a fraction and you will find
it loosens up.

Then use a proper chain lube on the chain. I personally wouldn't let
WD40, RP7 etc anywhere near my chain due to their effect of dispersing
oil (they work quite well in cleaning up gunked up parts). If you do
use them then you really should degrease your chain anyhow. Then your
back to applying a proper lubricant anyhow.

If you have a cassette tool remove your cassette and clean it up using
the degreaser also. If you dont remove the cassette be careful when
using degreaser and the washing it off with a hose as you can
inadvertantly force degreaser into your hub / freewheel bearings.
Another option for the cassette is to remove the wheel from your bike
and clean the cassette with a rag.

This all might sound like bit of a big job but when you have the chain
clean and lubbed some routine maintenance keeps it pretty good with
minimal effort. I generally run the chain through a rag and give the
cassette a rag clean every couple of weeks. Then reapply lubricant.
Keeps it all looking nice and shiny. (especially when you have a higher
end cassette)

--
Paulie-AU

Paulie, you know so much... I think I might follow Lotte's bike
maintenance method, and get Paulie to fix it!

Tam *winning smile*

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>> "1013" == 1013 <[email hidden]> writes:

1013> Thanks guys for your advice. I actually live in Sydney. My
1013> e-mail address is unrelated to my name/location.

*chuckle* for clarity I'm where my sig says, not where my email addy
says ;-) Had it for over ten years and see no reason to change (too
many mailing lists).
--
Cheers | ~~ __@
Euan | ~~ _-\<,
Melbourne, Australia | ~ (*)/ (*)

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>> "1013" == 1013 <[email hidden]> writes:

1013> I would like to remove my chain to clean it properly since
1013> there is a lot of build up of dirt and grime. I am pretty sure
1013> the chain is a Shimano chain and I have read that you need
1013> special tools to remove it.

I physically shuddered looking at those pics. Eeyuck!

I've not had to clean something quite so...dirty so can't offer advice
there. I *can* tell you what I do to keep mine from ever getting like
that though.

My lube of choice is ProLink. On a cleaned chain I put a drop of oil on
each rivet. Nowhere else, just the rivets. That's where the wear
occurs, if you put lube all over the chain that will just attract dirt.

I generally do this in the evening which allows gravity to do it's work
overnight and pull the lube through the rivets. This helps pull
embedded grit out from between the links. In the morning I wipe the
chain down with a clean rag, removing any excess from the surface of the
chain.

From then on it's a case of rinse and repeat. I do this about every
150-200kms. Two or three minutes every 150-200 kms saves a lot of
heartache. Every couple of weeks I take the rear wheel off and clean
in between the cogs with a rag.

If it rains I wipe down the chain with some paper towels and apply a bit
of lube.

Before going to the trouble of cleaning your chain you may want to check
it for stretch. Dirty as it is I'm betting your chain's doing a
passable impression of a torture victim on the rack. Previously posted
links will tell you how to do that. If your chain's stretched forget
about cleaning it and just get a new one.
--
Cheers | ~~ __@
Euan | ~~ _-\<,
Melbourne, Australia | ~ (*)/ (*)