I’ve tried using some bike oil but the chain in that point is still very rigid, what else can I do to make it better?
I also fear that specific part might not be original to the chain, but some kind of addon(?) from a previous owner, as the inside parts look slightly thinner seen from above
Oil hasn’t helped, what else can I do?
byu/Startomato inbikewrench
by Startomato
18 Comments
New chains are pretty cheap.
Just looks like a stiff link. Flex it side to side on the link that is getting caught up
It’s rusted to hell. You need rust remover. Wear some gloves, spray it on and try to move the links with your hand. Judging from the rust on other parts in your video, you might need to consider scrapping it though, the cost of servicing this will be more than it’s worth.
Stop leaving the bike in the rain, replace the chain or soak it in some wd40
> I’ve tried using some bike oil but the chain in that point is still very rigid, what else can I do to make it better?
You need to either replace the chain or use your fingers to flex every one of those stiff joints, like you show, back and forth over and over until you get the link loose again. And this is assuming there is no bending damage to the chain or that the pins aren’t too tight. My assumption is you have rust in the link joint leading to friction locking of the joint.
Once you have the chain either replaced or fully loosey goosey, then wipe off ALL that oil. The only place a chain need oil is in the pin/bushing junction. All oil on the outside of the chain does is attract dirt.
Thanks everyone, will take it to get the chain changed. If I could figure out how, I’d tag this post as solved
Let it go
Bro… new chain
Yes the chain is uncared for but the OP might be short of funds and it’s quite possible that cleaning it and flexing the chain will fix it.
This is a much older bike and components can last a long time.
https://youtube.com/shorts/T0ycgdX35yY?si=N0Gy1WRU5p5ZYPh-
Will show you what others meant by flexing the chain.
New chain
Get two pliers to grip the chain and flex and loosen with your lubricant, using your hands to flex a chain is hard going.
If you change the chain, you will probably have to change the cassette too.
I would measure chain wear before taking further action.
If the chain is lenghtend, you simply buy a new one and replace it.
If the chain lenght is okay and you’re on a budget, get some de-ruster and clean the chain with it, make sure to move the stiff links in order to get them going. Lubricate the chain after drying it properly…
You need so penetrating solvent / oil like the classic wd40. It also de-rusts the chain
The cogs and pulley wheels seem to be fine.
After that i’d recommend degrease, flush with alcohol or acetone so its bone dry. Get some wax and an old pot and wax the chain. You can add some life into an old chain since the wax occupies a lot of space and is more resistance to pressure and has a low friction coefficient. There are several videos on it. Or you can buy drip lube wax emulsions if you dont wanna go through the hassle
I soaked one in petrol then brushed it all over and left it soaking in oil after.. it would have been easier to buy a new chain but I like fixing stuff.
it is cheaper to replace a cheap chain every year than to properly maintain it
That’s definitely call for a new $10-15 chain. When a chain is shot a chain is shot unfortunately.
Why not just replace the chain? 🙂
Replace the chain you have a tight link