Will WD-40 Destroy Your Motorcycle Chain O-Rings? | MC GARAGE

Whether or not WD-40 will keep your chain’s O-rings happy or ruin them is one of the most controversial topics in motorcycle maintenance. Will WD-40 destroy your chain’s O-rings, displace the grease, and ruin your chain? To find out, Senior Road Test Editor Ari Henning donned his lab coat, marched down to the MC garage, and performed some compatibility experiments. Watch the video to see the results!
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What’s the truth? To find out, Senior Road Test Editor Ari Henning donned his lab coat, marched down to the MC garage, and performed some compatibility experiments. Chain links were disassembled, test tubes organized, and O-rings subjected to full immersion in WD-40 (as well as other common shop chemicals) to find out if and how the contents of the ubiquitous yellow-and-blue effects the O-rings used on today’s sealed chains.
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[@WiserInTime]

Motorcycle myth bustin' I like it.

[@MozzaBurger88]

+Wiser InTime Using actual facts and proper testing ??? Damn that's not the USA I'm used to :D

[@mtmgymtmgy]

because your hurley doesn't have chain but a belt. no need to test the o-rings

[@fixx9839]

tf 360 like

[@elishakimadelacruz6858]

It’s almost the end of 2021, and I’m 19, experimenting my bike… And this video, even after 5 years, still helps kids like me

[@ronh9384]

I used WD-40 on a Yamaha R1 for 10 years and lubed the chain every 2-3weeks for 10-11 months of almost daily use during the 10 year period. Had zero, ZERO problems.

[@iamAurel1us]

Great

[@karankots]

Thanks

[@duongto1252]

stupid

[@awakenedservant]

Should I wash my chain with water only or water and soap after cleaning it with wd40? Then I wipe the chain dry and use gear oil ? Is this okay for an X-ring chain ?

[@govinda102000]

@@awakenedservant I think not. I have seen a few videos where the chain is wiped after WD40 cleaning before adding the lub.

[@frustrateduser666]

I really love these MC Garage videos. Sometimes all you need to start DIY repair and maintenance is a push in the right direction and some myth-busting :)

[@mohannair]

Great work on these garage videos. been following you since the dreadlock days.

[@AriH211]

+Lord Moughezi Thanks for sticking with us!

[@rohanvimal2972]

nice.. simple.. useful.. important.. all in under 5 min. great work!! one of the very few you tubers to fare really well in this field!!

[@bryanmurphy26]

I've been using WD40 to clean the chain on my 2004 DR650 since the bike was new. The original chain is still good with 8,500 miles on it. All O-rings were intact. How's that for a long-term test.

[@TheSateef]

are you lubing it too, or WD40 only?

[@rodolfocastillo9023]

I think he's just using it for cleaning. As the video says, it's perfect for cleaning but they recommend you to use a proper lube.

[@Acdeportivo2]

Bryan Miata i say your full of shit.

[@SurferNick327]

Well on your DR it's fine. Suzuki recommends using kerosene to clean your chain on any of their products.

[@overthinking3573]

Nick Linville did you watch the video at all? wd40 is essentially kerosene with other stuff added.

[@Im-a-machine]

Dude, you sure do a great job! Putting out a lot of helpful videos. Thank you very much!

[@clanmac66]

Phew! I've always been an advocate for WD-40, removing chain lub and muck off my rear wheel and swing arm as well as cleaning my chain. Love the stuff.

[@Duderichy]

Just want to say Ari Henning seems to be an awesome guy, I love all his articles and videos, as someone who hasn't been riding motorcycles too long

[@RCFlyBoy314]

I came across info a few years ago when I first bought my CBR250R on cleaning the chain. I cleaned with simple green, sprayed out the water with WD-40 (wd= water displacement) and then lubed the chain with the Honda chain lube. Worked great! I rode 2000 miles a month, and cleaned every 500 miles or after riding through monsoons (started riding in the beginning of monsoon weather in AZ... :D ) Got tired of cleaning my chain, so going up to the 1200GS was super nice :)

[@IgorDz]

I feel like I would still watch this channel if I wasn't into motorcycles. So quick and on point videos. Even "howto's" are 4 minutes average, not like some other 30 min mumbling manuals.

[@GodsHeretic]

This channel gets better all the time! Keep up the great work!

[@Q.Q.]

Well-done! Quite comprehensive. Far more so than I was (mistakenly) expecting.

[@DEeMONsworld]

There is another test I saw on a forum about this subject, the tester went one step further using various solvents, o-rings in test tubes, for varying lengths of time. Then he checked for not only swelling and distortion, but elasticity using gauges to stretch to failure. WD 40 came out second only to kerosene but not by much. Upshot is WD40 does not harm or compromise your orings. It has no magic ability to penetrate behind compressed O-rings any more than Kerosene. That said it is a cleaner not a lubricant, perfectly safe for short term cleaning of chains.

[@pippipster6767]

Just incredible, many thanks! I have been considering this - debating this - and discussing this for many many years and I have heard so many different opinions I'm just as confused as when I first thought about it 20 years ago. Not any more. Excellent. 👍🤓

[@grevierx]

Awesome video. Thanks for taking the time to make this much needed video

[@ricecakeFTW]

WOW! Science to back up the claim! Thank you!

[@ruthless705]

Love these tech videos, keep em' coming! Can we get one for checking and adjusting valves?

[@hostilityy]

+Ruthless705 yeah that's very technical lol, Idk if they'll do those on this channel. I really want them to. I love this channel so much. has to do with removing timing chain and not allowing valves to hit the piston when you reassemble. the shim and bucket part is easy especially since modern manuals list what to put if your current shim is a certain thickness. I have to do mine this summer and I'm dreading it even if I've been a mechanic for 7 years and done all kinds of car, truck ,hydraulics, diesel, motorcycle jobs

[@fkmehardy6186]

I'm riding a 14 year old zx9r and have done the valves every 8k miles up to around 50k miles, as you say the job itself isn't too hard its the stripping everything off which takes the time, they stop tightening up on the nine around that figure though I still ckeck them every now n then for peice of mind, 75k up and counting now n still sweet as a nut.

[@fkmehardy6186]

I always put them at the max spec too.

[@donfrazer1686]

This is the EXACT info I was looking for today to figure out which of my on-hand cans of chemicals I could safely use to clean my o-ring chain. THANK YOU!

[@ppower7945]

Been using it for years. It has the added effect of driving moisture out of the chain (which u want) after washing your bike. Always lube your chain AFTER washing the bike. I clean it lightly with a toothbrush and a little WD 40, then dry it with a rag, wait 10 mins to air dry, and apply 90 weight gear oil. Amazing results.

[@niksal1]

That's how ya do it.......oldschool nice and easy

[@huyduongquang1438]

how do you stop the gear oil from splattering around the rims? My dad told me to do the same procedure as you do and the chain is nice and smooth but I had to clean the rims regularly

[@ianh9696]

Apply the oil and wait a few minutes to let it soak in. Then wipe the chain with a rag to remove the excess so it doesn't fling everywhere.@@huyduongquang1438

[@sstressfl]

Wow! Great to know about brake cleaner! I don't use it to clean my chain, but now I know to be careful when cleaning the rear brake/rotors. Thanks for this!

[@sygphonzy2586]

Great video with a lot of information. Appreciate it bro.

[@XTAdventures]

really interesting, great testing, great video! Thanks

[@drewfasa]

Thanks for posting! I've been wondering about this. Great news!

[@kevinmcgrath127]

Great work...love this mythbustin! Put to bed an anxiety I’ve had over this with this for years.

[@fatezero325]

Thanks Ari and Mc Garage. You guys are awesome.

[@MichaelWilliams-cc9zl]

You guys are awesome! Thanks for the excellent information!!

[@MrSmurfnanne]

Thank you! Been saying all along that WD40 was more of a cleaner/solvent than lubricant. I always have used either kerosene or diesel and a tooth brush for chain cleaning. I just finished doing my chain and thought I'd spray some WD on to clean up any dirty diesel that may remain, but I never have done that. That's how I wound up here. Very good info, to be sure!

[@davidmorton7861]

I appreciate that you set a chain on fire 🔥 just to bring me more excellent content 👍

[@MrNinfofan]

Great video, keep these coming!

[@mike216ism]

It's not good enough. Some will still argue with this topic. Great informative video. Much appreciated

[@Eagles.Fan.Since.Super.Bowl.52]

I was wondering about this and of course this is the channel that has the answer. Nicely done!

[@yugandharbandi9241]

finally cleared the confusion, thank you very much ,video is very useful

[@cvitkovic94]

Tnx you help a lot with tips for beginer riders

[@rhllnm]

Thanks for the info. It sucks to be on a long, dusty trip and have a powder caked chain after a week or so. I've been carrying WD 40 mainly for tire lube, but also for chain cleaning, and Dupont Walmart chain lube.

[@Captain250FX]

Excellent video!

[@yishay83]

thanks guys . i really ask this question lots of times. each time i got diffrent answer . thanks for making it clear!

[@DEA-vy4bh]

Great informative video. Thanks.

[@TheMickvee]

After 40 odd years of riding and maintaining bikes, here is my tried and tested method. Clean the chain with paraffin (kerosene), using an old towel. Then, also using an old towel, pour about a quarter of a pint of gear oil into the palm of your hand, and wrap the oily towel around the bottom run of the chain, whilst slowly rotating the wheel by hand. Remember, this oil is solely there to stop the chain from going rusty. The lube is already inside the chain. Wipe off any excess. Job done. Time taken? 5 minutes! I have had a chain last for 40,000 miles using this method, and there was still plenty of life left in it!

[@H4FIZS]

Wow great info! Thanks sir

[@joske6458]

TheMickvee fully agree with

[@oozi]

Repeat the process after 300 miles!

[@TheMickvee]

No! Repeat when necessary! Of course, if you are on a long trip, then a can of chainlube would be essential.

[@gsxrg46]

^^^yep this is how to properly clean a chain. Kerosine to clean and run gear oil on it. Cheap and it works. My old Dr650 manual actually stated to clean and lubricate this exact way. I think it's been updated now to only use Suzuki brand cleaner etc lol

[@Marcin-fx6hz]

Nice Video! Short and full of knowledge!! Perfecto! :D

[@damiensanchez88]

Great video! Thank you Ari!

[@makisadventure]

Useful informations!!Thanks a lot!!

[@leviefrauim1425]

Very informative- thank you!

[@hyperlingg7608]

Thanks for the explanation. WD-40 is great for what it has been made for: cleaning and conserving. I use a very thin layer on chrome or metal parts for winter time when the bike stands still. No corrosion.

[@Wide000]

Information based on testing. Very good. Thanks.

[@delsere7095]

Excellent topic choice. Its incredible how common of a thought this is, I told my shop that I was using kerosene to clean my o-ring chain and their reaction was on par with as if I left my 3 month old baby in the car on a summer day. I was convinced and bought some Motul chain cleaner, which I'm still quite happy with though its nice to know that I didn't compromise my drive train.

[@MrSmurfnanne]

My old 1980 GS1100E's owner's manual recommended kerosene and a tooth brush for chain cleaning!

[@vicenterr7]

Very useful video, thanks a million!!

[@g4yktzgjx6]

This was exactly what I was looking for. And all in 3 minutes. Spot on

[@MothershipVideos]

Thanks for the information.

[@aleccollom6528]

Love this episode, need more of these!

[@erickpalacios8904]

I feel like my motorcycle IQ shoots up after watching these videos.

[@InitialANSR]

lol.

[@march11stoneytony]

Awesome video! This channel is great

[@Daniel-dj7fh]

i love these informatve videos, also the how-to-maintain-yo-bike videos haha

[@sparklysparks77]

Really well made and informative. And great fire effect, by the way! Thanks.

[@baguspambudisetiawan]

very useful knowledge. great!

[@belaltaricksatti8661]

Thanks for the advice MC.

[@noelchristophersanchez3863]

Thanks for info mate, u are very helpful...

[@rudiboy2917]

Very informative. THANKS SIR!!!

[@nitinanand1000]

I do know stuff about chain maintenance. But just a quick tip to you guys, please copy a link of your video that you mentioned in the end for making it easy for others to go through it

[@parmeet3391]

Thank you so much for the information.

[@tanvirrrrrrrrrr]

very helpful man. love from Bangladesh

[@edwardlacika3022]

Great video. Thank you.

[@theperson7718]

I have a D.I.D chain and it says right on the box to "NOT" use kerosene among other harsh chemicals. I think the problem isn't that kerosene will eat or soften the rubber but rather it can easily slip past the rubber and dissolve the grease the rubber seals help to protect.

[@ockins9830]

thank you this is informative

[@TheDEstrela]

Another great vídeo!

[@paulthespacemouse7785]

Great vid man, thanks

[@lonelycorpro1]

great video thanks guys

[@ivornotion6624]

thanks for clearing up a common misconception

[@carswithsonduren]

Great video thank you :) I love lubing everything with WD-40.... everything ;)

[@KillroyX99]

This is great. Me and my friends have had good results with WD-40 only and not other lube. The philosophy is that o-ring chains are already lubed inside the bushings and a clean chain is a long lasting chain.

[@TheAdamAdy]

Killroy Yes, but wd40 will destroy that lube that is inside and will dissipate. If you lubr your chain with wd40 youre basically riding on dry chain.

[@hernandocortez6351]

@@TheAdamAdy That's my concern as well. Disappointed the video didn't address this.

[@eriknash8783]

I have a ride partner who never lubes his chain. Just cleans it with WD40 every tank full. He has done this on several bikes and gets 15-20K miles on a chain. I don’t follow this regimen but I can’t argue with his results and his maint time is much easier than mine.

[@Boromir237866]

​@@hernandocortez6351 like erik said, chain is already lubed. True it helps ease friction, but with that price, just change chain every 25000km and just use wd40 every month or so! Doing that in my second bike just for experimenting and getting same results probably cheaper because I don't use gear oil, the only cheap lube. If you use gear oil, probably worth taking a few more mins to lube your chain I guess.

[@arunkrishna3311]

Wd40 doesnot penetrate inside so factory grease is safe.

[@ridealine1]

great video as always.

[@sammyscrap]

Good science, great vid! Another measure would have been to weigh the o-rings for any absorption.

[@gibsosmart]

Just this one video and your scientific approach gained you a subscriber. :)

[@karabesklow]

Thanks bro !no mechanic or motorcycle dudes did the submersion and wait to destroy the oring test which i was planning to do with mine so you saved me months of waiting :D i will go buy another can of WD 40 and clean then oil my chain at next interval ! +1

[@maldridge7630]

Thank you, great information indeed!

[@EnjoyCalculus]

What does brake cleaner do exactly to the o rings? I used it on the front sprocket of my 04 cbr600rr because the previous owners never cleaned the front sprocket and it had tons of goop the size of marbles in the surrounding area of the front sprocket and I used brake cleaner to get rid of it. Some of the cleaner was used on the front sprocket that had some parts of the chain exposed to it

[@markiemarks1k]

6 years later. This is still a great video.

[@kings17court]

The test tubes, test tube rack, and lab coat was a nice touch.

[@MannyKangmangRai]

i am happy with you guys channel. informative alot to bikers

[@Bendc1970A1]

I've actually done this experiment before with same results. I also remember telling a guy he should not have used a pressure washer on his chain.

[@PadmaDorjee]

This was so thorough and awesome, thank you. I think I will use Kerosene like you suggested.

[@leeroymcevoy5362]

Thank you for this.. Been using WD-40 for years, and even though had some long life chains people kept telling me would ruin the O Rings although never saw it happen ..

[@JDAngler]

You guys are awesome... God bless you all always ❤️🙌

[@serberious]

I`ve used WD40 on all of my bikes to clean the chain before lubing because, being a lubricant, it`ll get down between the plates where chain wax won`t really reach and I`ll have an extra lubed chain, great vid, man, keep them coming.

[@bosenon5251]

Thank you Mc garage So we can use Wd40 for clean the chain 👌🏻

[@sakismar]

Great job! You have amazing channel

[@rizkyantoni3948]

great information...!

[@anil13860]

Best explanation ever!

[@karthikeyanvarnold8452]

Thank you bro nice video👍👍👍💯

[@AkaAndyKnuckles]

Ari Henning; you are a great guy!

[@80a7x]

keep doing good work Ari

[@rw30supa]

Thank you that was real useful.

[@surajKumar-kn5qd]

Thankful tips

[@BlueNETGaming]

Nice vid! 👍

[@wildcardtrader2671]

my chain oring went missing on the outer side. wht could be the reason help needed

[@247th]

What I took from this, "Don't clean your chain with brake cleaner. WD-40 is a decent cleaner."

[@eduardosilva7304]

I had a thought about using wd40 to clean the chain before I did it, before applying the chain lube, and guess I was right. Thanks for the video, man, very clever idea of deeping the o-rings in wd40!

[@smilemore209]

thank you brother for this video!

[@petergainz4236]

learning alot here thank you