Don't Use WD 40 on Bearings

In this video I show why you shouldn't use WD-40 on ball bearings on your RC car. Really it shouldn't be used on any ball bearings as it breaks down the bearing grease.

[@STEVOD313]

WD-40 stands for "WATER DISPLACEMENT" the 40 is just because it was the 40th attempt to get the formula right, but it displaces water, Its true I asked siri LOL

[@russellparker4568]

He didnt mention this once did he?

[@tenncutt]

Common knowledge

[@VintageCR]

This is the correct use for this formula.. use it to displace water in or at places where rust can become the worst enemy.

[@NitroStarGT]

Great video and very true. WD-40 does great on bearings and metal parts to get the water off. But then you do need to relube later. Example: I bashed my X-Maxx on the beach. The sand has TONS of salt content so I washed it with copious amounts of water. I waited a couple hours later after we went and ate and then checked the X-Maxx. EVERYTHING was starting to rust! Thick rust, not like after running in freshwater like rain. I had to spray all screw heads and bearings down with WD-40. The next morning, the rust had stopped and most of it was gone. I could not have actually put lube in all of these areas in 20 minutes. I later tore truck down and cleaned and relube with oil and grease. WD-40 saved my truck for sure.

[@GoncaloQuinas]

You are totally right, wd40 is a cleaning oil, amazing to clean rust,oil, etc and does not lubricate the way we need on our cars. Also is an oil that catch a lot of debris like the dust as most of other lubricants. The only thing missing is a part 2 of the video showing what to use. In my opinion and what I use is a fine oil with silicone base, not only it lubricate but is hydroponic and does not colect dust. Sorry about my English or any mistakes I have given but I think I could pass the idea.... and you are totally right

[@buslebeni]

What silicon oil do you use if I may ask?

[@aidenmaves5537]

@@buslebeni im wondering the same

[@teepazz1966]

Great advice, I wish I would have read this earlier. I just seized up a bearing on a router adapter plate for using an end mill. This was the first time I used it, brand new. I was using the WD for cutting fluid on aluminum and I was liberally applying it and thought what could I hurt by applying it to the shank of the mill. Well it would run down the shaft, over the bearing and seemed fine until the bearing got so hot it stopped the router ( also brand new). I had to figure out what went wrong and I suspected possibly the WD .. searched for info and thanks to this post I'm smarter than I was yesterday. Thanks! keep up the great info.

[@normhansing1920]

This video is perfect !! I have been a mechanic for 50 years and have been saying just this and showed many customer. I also use WD40 to clean oil and grease form floors. First WD40 to break down oil and Simple Green or Dawn to clean up

[@outsourcedrc]

It's amazing at how many people argue with me about this.

[@t3floz]

Is there anything I can use on the bearings to give them a protective film but not remove the grease?

[@controlledfreakr]

Nice video. Its no good on its own but It’s the bomb for keeping your cars rust free. And it can bring old cars back to life. I use it to clean my cars before I re grease them with marine grease.

[@Mr.Wednesday.]

I really want more videos from this guy…. like…. you’re not doing enough dude we need more.

[@1peanut]

I use silicone spray and Lithium grease spray. I also use 1 lube in the dropper bottle.

[@fullblastrc2681]

As someone who is quickly needing to learn how to maintain my rc, I really appreciate this!

[@outsourcedrc]

You are welcome!

[@youngeshmoney]

Bro this is so true, I learned the hard way, I used a silicone based WD-40 on my bearings after a deep clean and my bearings over heated and melted my plastic axle shaft on two wheels

[@jimerickson4754]

Stumbled across this video. Well said. I am replacing bearings tomorrow because I forgot this valuable info. Just a tip...Silicone based lube sprayed on sealed bearings lightly will greatly extend there life and give some extra protection during cleaning (water penetration).

[@DFDuck55]

The only thing I use WD-40 for is spraying wasps. It knocks them right out of the air and they drop straight to the ground. Works better than any of the expensive poisonous wasp sprays. Spray their nests (paper or mud) and they won't come back to it. Works great on black widow spiders too.

[@db_motorjoy7678]

Really nice video bud, using an actual experiment to prove your point! :) Seems rare that you get backup for opinions these days. I have to admit I typically douse my RC with WD-40 after wet runs but now I'll definitely be mindful of re-greasing those bearings as well!

[@outsourcedrc]

Thanks!

[@Jeroen-Engelgeer]

You are so right, i have to admit that i've made that mistake too in the past. After cleaning bearings with WD40 they felt like there was sand in it. Regreasing did help but i don't do this anymore because i have to do that every time after WD40.

[@VintageCR]

slight correction: you DO use WD40 on bearings ONLY if you clean of the WD40 and re-grease the bearing! EDIT: to clarify why i say this, would you rather have moister/water sitting in and or around a bearing so it can rust over time and wear out even faster or use a water displacement and do a little maintenance to keep it clean and have it last way longer..

[@ubreakitirepairit3569]

Brake cleaner and re-grease.

[@Hakibox]

So, why traxxas in manuals says use WD40 for bearings ??

[@rsracing-mb1tr]

So you buy parts.

[@Jonathan-bk7gs]

Because Traxxas sucks and they're retarded.

[@outsourcedrc]

lol does it???? Who reads manuals????

[@Hakibox]

Yes, after use in wet conditions: "Spray all the bearings, drivetrain, and fasteners with WD-40® or similar water-displacing light oil." Years ago when I bought first traxxas model, read manual was like cherry on the cake 😁. In Europe (Poland), models are more expensive than in US.

[@SoleEpiphany]

Plan to get your money, hint, ITS WORKING lol

[@STEVOBRADING]

Wow you really scared the hell out of me, just put all my bearings in it. Good thing I'm just using it to clean them and then lubricating them separately

[@igameidoresearchtoo6511]

ikr i nearly choked when i read the title and realised that i just put wd40 on my entire traxxas what an expensive mistake it could have been lucky me it doesnt damage it

[@random_memory_dump]

I knew that it is not for lubrication, but i didn't know that it geats old grease from old bearings and diffs so fast!! finally faster cleaning method :) thank you

[@outsourcedrc]

Thats what I'm here for.

[@alfiek8092]

Thank you for this. I wash my RC then pretty much soak it in WD-40 and funnily enough I just had to change my bearings. I'll make sure I take my bearings out before applying WD-40. Thanks again

[@sherrileetrevillion4862]

Could you please do a video on cleaning your RC?

[@apolloeh1165]

Traxxas technicians told me that this is a tip use WD-40 on my bearings why would they tell me back and they make the product and lie to me as a customer and consumer knowing that you could create a problem for me?

[@outsourcedrc]

I dont know. I dont know why they would tell you that.

[@philthyco1]

Well said..I don't suggest soaking plastic parts in it either..It will break them down over time

[@Art-zs6sl]

Dropping science! Thanks for showing as well as telling.

[@EthanHervig]

I use chain grease spray on my bearings. And all other things that spin.

[@RcKingz]

Great illustration! Thanks for SHOWING this and NOT just talking about it!

[@outsourcedrc]

Its what I do!

[@ozzyg82]

After using WD-40 to help de-grease and displace water, I always add a little lubricant (suitable to whatever you’re working on), e.g. I add a little 2-in-1 oil to put back the lubricant that WD-40 can remove. When I was a teenager a guy at my local bike shop told me that all i needed to clean and lubricate my bike chain was WD-40. He was wrong. It cleaned it ok, but because it removed all the grease, the chain instantly went rusty and dry and started to cease up. Always use some other lube after WD-40. Always.

[@rcobsessed2801]

Depends . I worked for super bike Canada and the guys would clean the grease out of the axle bearings and put a little sewing machine oil . They dont care if they last 2 races. Some guys felt that thatq them the edge .

[@pauldoop4608]

Hi I have been a rc truck buggy car boat for a number of years now and I have used wd-40 for a long time and I didn't know that Wow thanks for the video I have learned a lot

[@V10_Addict]

Thank you for this, I was only seconds away from spraying my Traxxas summit bearings with WD40, but when I was trying to find vids on where all the bearings are and how to access them, I found this.

[@Animetion293]

Very informative, man. Thank you for this. You saved me from make a pretty shitty mistake. Went mudding with my Arrma BRCC BLX, hosed it off and like an idiot let it sit for a few days with no drive time, and the bearings froze up. Total tear down and rebuild. Ordered new bearings with rubber seals, and I'd be so pissed if I screwed things right off rip. Ordered me some proper bearing oil. Thanks again for this.

[@WorkingInTech]

Yes! My Dad explained this to me when I was a kid greasing my bearings, and now I cringe when people Use WD-40 to lubricate. In the description WD-40 says, "Get Rid Of Grease Fast". Thats only good to clean bearings.

[@jonfoster1737]

If you're not supposed to use wd40, then one how come it was invented, and two how come manufacturers recommend it for different things I've been using it for over 2 decades on my rcs and I'm still using many original parts in thanks to it that includes ball bearings so it does work for rc.

[@caris2893]

Great science lesson!...I use dawn dish soap and water To spray on boxelders...put about an ounce of dawn dish soap in a windex spray bottle, then slowly pour water down the side until full, shake it up just a little bit, and then spray!, the soap dries on the boxelders and then they die!,here in MN we have tons!

[@stonejr74]

I have a question? Why does Traxxas put in their manuals to use WD-40 on the whole truck plastic and Metal

[@outsourcedrc]

No idea

[@Blimpus]

Back in the day, Dawn soap is what we used to clean our LP's, it's a great vinyl cleaner!

[@tuffguy40]

Great video bro I figured out months ago that WD40 was no good , I was blowing out bearings on my X Max left and right, Using WD40 , now I use bearing lube , haven't blown anymore bearing , good stuff great vid

[@adamruddockshrek]

Here is why you are right . When I clean my motorbike the rear wheel is the hardest place to clean as the chain covers it in grease . I use wd40 to clean it . One quick spray And without having to wait anytime you can immediately wipe the wheel with a cloth . The grease comes straight off

[@chiccorocker]

That's quite right. WD40 is not a lubricant. The classical WD40 is mostly to remove water and moisture, which is a good thing or your bearing will rust quickly. However WD40 will also dissolve grease which is not a good thing at all. If WD40 is used you need to apply the lubricant again. If you don't want to use WD40 you still need something to get the water and moisture out.

[@_aph_2702]

THANKS FOR THE VID I ALMOST CLEANED MY BEARINGS WITH WD40

[@abilmanogs8116]

It's ok when cleaning. Especially after a wash to prevent rust. Just remember to cleanse it after it dries

[@twoteccs2twoteccs287]

Me too

[@arksin11]

I'm just for my skateboard bearings, there is a lot of mixed opinions on WD 40 out there, thanks for clearing things out for me :)

[@justincase948]

I agree with u it does breakdown grease but it makes plastics softer and flexible and in some cases u want that so it don’t brake so it depends what u want .. but it’s not grease ur rite !!

[@raymondclinton1080]

I am new to rc, I own a traxxas xmaxx, Not had it long and would love to learn more!. What do I use to lubricate all the barings? What do I use when cleaning the diffs front/rear? How do I change shock oil and which is best for this truck? Lovin your chanel especially the new maxx...awesome!!

[@outsourcedrc]

lol you asked a lot. Bearings can be lubed with a Bearing grease. Diffs can be cleaned with WD40. Shock Oil is a personal pref. 40-60 wt is usually good. Put thicker in the rear.

[@joeygodoy509]

Great video. What about pb blaster

[@outsourcedrc]

I dont know. Sorry.

[@brucebaker0316]

How about using it to keep your Plastic chassis parts flexible on your RC??

[@ibewillow]

WD40 is actually a lubricant, its just not a replacement for grease.

[@Coweyes2069........]

So is silicone spray a lubricant it's written on the can that it lubricates portects waterproof and rejuvenates.

[@outsourcedrc]

It depends. It can be, but that doesn't mean its the right lubricant for what you need. I know its used as an effective lubricant on machines that make things out of paper, like magazines. It lets the paper slide across the machine easier.

[@rc4me288]

I only use it lightly on the surface to stop rust after a wet running my rc then re grease regularly

[@g.b-MTB-trail-jumps3062]

Hey bro...perfect vid.. I have "greas spray" for my bearing on my arrma kraton. But if i spray on the bearing...it is stay (little bit greas) on the bearing/hub...and if i runing it on sand...the sand wil stick on the greas... What i can du dude...thanks

[@outsourcedrc]

I would not spray anything like that on bearings. If the grease inside is gone to the point that it needs lubing up, the bearing should be taken apart and regreased. Sprays are too thin to be useful as lube for more than a short while.

[@g.b-MTB-trail-jumps3062]

@@outsourcedrc thanks alot bro

[@t3floz]

Super good and informative video! If i where to only use 1 thing when cleaning my car that you can get in regular stores what would it be? Silicone?

[@rcsmith5909]

We used it in the shop all the time to take grease off of stuff that and kerosene. They will both act like a lubricant for a short time because of petroleum . But it definitely kills grease.!

[@rkstone1467]

New to this site i like it here think i will stay been using it wrong on all my stuff all my life! thanks so much.

[@danatrustin3982]

Hi, Thanks I Never thought WD was not a lubricant Thanks You showed it well!

[@jeffmaxwell8790]

I clean my bearings with wd 40 then grease them is that ok

[@outsourcedrc]

thats perfect.

[@nautynate420]

Use powdered graphite. Any liquid or wet lubricant will collect grit and dirt. Then you have a grinding compound. Dry lubricant is the way to go. Or ceramics

[@trevorbraden5448]

What is the best thing to use on your bearings I've used a lithium grease but it doesn't Penetrate real well.

[@outsourcedrc]

Bearing grease!

[@outsourcedrc]

I use a marine grease.

[@Basherqueen]

You are absolutely right. Very good explanation! Love it!

[@outsourcedrc]

Thanks!

[@chadpeterson5723]

Great video teaching . More people need to see this so they stop using wd-40 wrong

[@williamoleary9330]

Please put out a video on how you do your maintenance soup to nuts on your vehicles. Please pick the Xmaxx or ERevo

[@outsourcedrc]

I'll be doing one for the E Revo.

[@williamoleary9330]

Thank you very much A Subscriber

[@Andre_M_3D]

WD40 technically removes water but also would break down the grease. A lot of guys put wd40 on their A-arms to keep them from breaking in the cold. A lot of guys say it works though. I never tried it but was considering it. I live in Canada and was out yesterday and broke a few things last night. Lol. I just buy lots of spare parts but would love to find something to keep plastic from breaking in the cold. I am doubtful that something exists though.

[@outsourcedrc]

The plastic that Traxxas is now using is supposed to resist breaking in the cold. I dont know how well it works though.

[@dbbew]

yeah you should have showed them what water does to grease which is nothing probably obviously but i wonder way to clean bearings with solvent then grease?

[@RobertNES816]

People actually get into arguments with me that WD-40 isn't a lubricant lol. It's NOT meant for high speed bearings and bushings. It'll wear off in no time and also clean away the existing lubricant at the same time. These are the same people that think Brushed motors don't last lol.

[@RalfIamrighttherewithyoubrothe]

So what about fluid film would that be good for rc bearings?

[@outsourcedrc]

You should use some kind of bearing grease that is for smaller bearings. A lot of people use the exact grease I use in the video.

[@pcrashford5367]

You can clean bearing with wd40 then lubricate with after run oil right?

[@outsourcedrc]

yes

[@LiquidSSSnake]

I had a co worker say the WD40 was fish oil and you can cook with it. Yeah, you do that.... WD40 and Bondo have to be the most misused non-drug products.

[@outsourcedrc]

I'd say thats true.

[@spenn2007]

So, after drying, is it safe to light coat the usual hex screws with WD40? I can imagine this video will be revisited many times lol. Your knowledge and insight will save a lot of people a lot of money and grief, thank you!

[@GIXXXXERMAN]

Very informative vid! I just purchased a Rustler myself, anyway you could do a video on what you do for maintenance?

[@outsourcedrc]

I'll see about it.

[@RealMrBased]

I mean it’s in the name, water displacement formula 40. It’s main purpose and what it was invented for is displacing water. I’ll spray my bearings after they get wet or after a wash but I don’t use it as a lubricant. I’ve actually moved to wd40 silicone and I’ve been really happy with it because it dries and it accomplishes the same result.

[@daveX81]

There are different types of WD-40 e.g. WD-40 PTFE. Does they have the same problem?

[@bretrishelrc9789]

what would you suggest for bearings?

[@outsourcedrc]

Some people use the grease that I show in the video. Really any bearing grease that is for small bearings will work.

[@TankerChango]

Dry graphite spray is what I use. Works great and doesn't collect dust or dirt like grease or oils.

[@mnbassintv2849]

WD 40 is good for the medal parts on the drive shaft it helps repel water off of it to prevent damage

[@carolcampbell6638]

I loved the demonstration. Can you squeeze dawn above the lithium grease like you did with wd-40?

[@richchase1381]

Can u recover the bearing of u put grease back on the bearing after putting wd40 on them

[@massimilianoalbani8497]

Thank you for explaining this! Traxxas’s original maintenance video still suggest WD40 to lubricate! You should inform/convince them to change their video... or if something happens I will complain for sure and ask for warranty!

[@outsourcedrc]

ha. I dont know if they will listen to little'ol me

[@ironlife783]

8 oz Denatured alcohol mixed with 8oz of simple green and 4 cap fulls of wd40 and shake and spray the whole car and all parts and blow off with air hose and it will not only look new and have some lube and the alcohol dries the electronics..been doing it for 8 years never a problem..

[@jamesandrew3676]

Can I use wd40 at my hot wheels nail part the nail that is spinning the tyres because it it rusted

[@outsourcedrc]

a hotwheels car? that doesnt have any lube on them. i dont know how WD40 impacts the plastic hot wheels are made of.

[@rcsendandblast1579]

Awesome dude. Pls explain why the wd40 breaks down the plastic and should people not put it on their cars plastic parts. Like don't do it your saying. ?

[@Ryder626]

Wow. Cool thanks for this video. I was totally using WD-40 . Only used it twice but I think you just saved my R/C 👍🏼

[@outsourcedrc]

Glad I could help!

[@chandy4ever]

Love the explanation! Can you use the aerosol can version of white lithium grease (from the wd40 company)?

[@outsourcedrc]

Chandy Ab I wouldn’t. It’s too thin for bearings

[@adpmrt06]

Thanks! I was going to buy it after seeing on Traxxas cleaning vehicle video.

[@outsourcedrc]

Dodged that bullet!

[@adpmrt06]

@@outsourcedrc Thanks!

[@brianchuck9264]

What about the WD40 with included White Lithium Grease? Not sure if yall know they have that now as well...

[@joshbarrott7235]

I tend to clean my bearings in wd40 to get all the muck out and then dry them out then grease them up with proper marine grease is this still a problem? Thanks for the vid helped answer lots of questions

[@outsourcedrc]

That's what I do. Just be sure to clean the WD-40 off.

[@joshbarrott7235]

Ok thanks

[@Jobro_Ya_Know]

This is true but... my reasoning is at that point I already need new bearings so a couple bashes won’t hurt.

[@rcsmith5909]

I like how you explain things to people. Like how can l get my point across without calling you stupid. Lol. Instead of yelling at them and just saying you're wrong lm rite. I like doing the same. Sometime it upsets people because they think you are treating them like a dumb child, ahhhhhh "girlfriends " you know anyone like oh let me see girlfriend's wife's could be anyone lol 🤭. Love the vids man always one of my favorite. Thats saying something because thats all l use KZbin for basically. Subscribed to about 15 or 20 Tubers. Do you have any suggestions or favorites? Thankyou. Appreciate the time and effort.

[@outsourcedrc]

Thanks! My favorite KZbinrs? Hmm.. I like Whistlin Diesel. Thats a cool channel. He breaks everything he owns pretty much. Peter Stripol is really good, and he does a lot with RC.

[@jimmyrecard6021]

i'd say WD40 is a short-term lubricant that also has cleaning properties and penetrating properties. That is why almost every mechanic I know has it in their shop.

[@seanlee2455]

What about bearing oil? Grease slow down the movement of the bearing as it is very thick. Hence, using wd40 as a cleaner to clean off the grease is not a problem unless you do not replace the grease with bearing oil. This is normally done in competitions to get the last bit of speed from cars and buggies. However, as bearing oil is also a thin oil, this needs to be done regularly.

[@outsourcedrc]

I was just talking about people that use only WD-40 as a lubricant

[@aidenmaves5537]

So i dont use wd 40 for bearings but i use it on suspention components. Is that ok ? Someone please help

[@TonysRcTechboom]

Great video my freind That Dawn experiment was good to, it's just like are washing up liquid, so what do you recommend to put on are bearings mate , ?? Great video 👍😁👍

[@outsourcedrc]

Any type of bearing grease that is made for smaller bearings. A lot of people use the same grease I used in this video for the test.

[@Hellcat2040]

@STEVO D 313 QUESTION I GOT 1/5 SCALE CAN I PUT WD40 INSIDE THE CLUTCH ? PLEASE HELP

[@Flakmagnet1701]

I don't understand why people use products without reading what they are for.... I regularly clean stuff with WD40, but you got to be crazy to squirt any solvent based product into your bearings unless you are washing out old grease before re-lubricating. But..sadly...again, I keep now running into folk who say WD40 eats your bearings....which is also wrong. If you are cleaning up parts around your bearings, and some overspray gets on...your bearing does not dissolve like the witch in the Wizard of Oz. I also see folks saying don;t use WD40...then recommend cleaning with other de-greasing products.....probably because they got no further than the opening title of the video.

[@skaargan]

So u can use wd40 as a cleaner n then lube the bearing with proper lubes

[@outsourcedrc]

Yep

[@jeffreybentz7097]

What are your thoughts on CRC 6-56?

[@outsourcedrc]

I've never used it. I did read the MSDS on it and it seems like it will cut grease and it will also dissolve some plastics. I'm just not familiar enough with it.

[@jeffreybentz7097]

@@outsourcedrc ,Thank you for replying. I was just curious, personally I don't use it on the bearings but as a coating on the metal parts to prevent corrosion. I'm basically on an island, on the East coast, Ocean City MD, salt water on both sides. Again, Thank you and hopefully you and yours have a GREAT CHRISTMAS!!!

[@outsourcedrc]

@@jeffreybentz7097 No problem! I hope you had a great Christmas!

[@hoangviet8005]

You can use WD40 white lithium grease.

[@Retrobution]

I thought wd40 was for everything metal, but, i used it on my fan motor bearing which we use for night time noise ambience.... just made it a lot worse and this hissing sound from the bearings!!

[@outsourcedrc]

Yep. No more grease in the bearing.

[@stpbasss3773]

I use it for cleaning metal parts then I clean it off and lube with correct lube.

[@outsourcedrc]

I so too. I clean rubber tires with it also.

[@LuisLPRCs]

I'm a skater also so I know what you mean about the sound lol! I always used Bones Ceramic bearings. Educate these RC students lol! Great Vid! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@outsourcedrc]

lol yeah thanks. I forget what I used. It was an aircraft grade lubricant my dad gave me that he used on aircraft. I dont remember what it was.

[@STEVOD313]

R u Bill Nye the science guy? LOL Was this ur experiment for the science fair back in school 🤣

[@mr.boombastic8612]

Bill nye the Russian spy

[@mr.boombastic8612]

Bill nye your moms a guy

[@outsourcedrc]

Nah. Unlike Bill Nye, I actually believe in science. I just happen to know a lot of things like this and I'm able to put together experiments from what I know. My science experiment in high school was a machine that could pick up and move ping pong balls. But what made it special is that instead of sucking air to pick up the balls with a vacuuming effect, it blew air and picked up the balls by blowing air instead of sucking. I won first prize!

[@PatsRC]

hahaha

[@Animetion293]

@@mr.boombastic8612 lmao!!!! I member that!!!

[@tripletrc5654]

So what about ptfe it says its good for bearings. Cause theres no way im rubbing white lithium grease on my bearings. Or are you saying put it inside

[@outsourcedrc]

I never said put lithium grease on the bearings. That was to demo what WD40 does to grease. I know people use PTFE on bearings. I use marine grease.

[@airguns_rc]

A great lubricant that doesn't harm any surfaces and it used in the airgun and firearm world is Ballistol.

[@barryriffle8076]

what about using wd40 to clean ceramic bearings. I've read that ceramic bearings are supposed to be run dry. today I used wd40 to free up a clogged ceramic bearing. then used brake parts cleaner and compressed air to get back to perfectly dry with no residue. ran amazing after this treatment. dry no oil installed into my b6.3d

[@outsourcedrc]

I do not actually know. I've never felt the need to run ceramic bearings.

[@piercetiralongo]

So what do we use?