I have been able to remove the gunk that looked like this, but the chain is still so dirty. i resorted to just using a lot of rags to wipe out the gunk, but the rag still comes out black
by eeeiue
I have been able to remove the gunk that looked like this, but the chain is still so dirty. i resorted to just using a lot of rags to wipe out the gunk, but the rag still comes out black
by eeeiue
33 Comments
Pressure washer if you have one. If not, WD40 is actually great for cleaning off grease like this. If the drivetrain is this bad then I’d check chain wear, and if the chain is too worn then it might well have taken the cassette with it too.
Disassembly required to clean this cluster properly. Step 1 but a cheap chain breaker and take that chain off
Sturdy toothpick or small screwdriver to peel that sludge off. Then the degreasers and re-lube.
But yeah, best way is to remove the chain, and probably disassemble the derailleur cage and pulleys to really get at that gunk.
Kerosene
If you can’t take the chain off then varsol a paint brush and either a small pick or thin pen knife blade will go a long way
Simple Green. Spray it on, let it soak, get as much off as you can, rinse, repeat.
If you are in the US stop buying bicycle wash. Buy Simple Green for a fifth of the cost.
Simple green.
Works the best compared to any other wash detergent.
Don’t bother with dish soap, it’s not enough for this type of grease
probably used 80 weight oil or similar.
Since you’re asking how to clean this I’m assuming you don’t have a lot of experience with maintenance or disassembly, reassembly. Please don’t use a pressure washer. There’s too much risk of forcing water into bearings, the chain, etc. Take the advice of using Simple Green or kerosene and keep working at it with brushes. Make sure you’re collecting the grease and run off and disposing of it properly.
One thing you should know, the chain isn’t lubricated on the outside. The lubrication is inside the rollers that are between the side plates on the chain. This sludge is from too much lube on the outside of the chain which collects dirt and builds up to this
You can try Gunscrubber to remove the gunk – it’s a strong spray solvent for cleaning guns, can be found in the gun aisle at Walmart or Bass Pro.
Definite replace the chain.
I don’t miss that horrible mess at all. Molten wax was probably the best upgrade I have ever done to my bikes.
Engine degreaser from the auto parts store works wonders on a lot of this stuff but use it sparingly and not near bearings
Break Kleen (the one with the poison/flammable WHIMIS lable).
Soapy water, and then use some alcohol or acetone to get all that gunk off
I have noticed that WD40 is an excellent oil-solvant. Usually all oil just melts of the bike, and then you can use any degreaser to do the rest of the cleaning.
I found a small nail or piece of metal works good to drag along the pulley wheels.
Gunk engine degreaser
Just get brake cleaner from the auto store, shit will fall right off. Will take paint off of plastic components though
Jesus people all recommending crazy stuff. I literally grab muc off bike cleaner and a brush and just go to town in 30 min that chain would be spot less.
My mtb chain is so clean you can eat off of it.
Diesel and a toothbrush?
Take the chain off and leave it in a Gatorade bottle filled with hot water and degreaser/soap, shake it and let it sit, and then keep rinsing till it’s clear. While it drys, soap, scrub, and rinse the rest of the drivetrain repeatedly, and then relube or even better use wax on the chain and put it back on
Im gonna show this picture to anyone who thinks that greasing the chain is better than oiling.
I usually boil them with water and a bit of water based degreaser, never done one that bad though. (chain off)
Diesel, gas, or kerosene. A bottle of brake cleaner would clear it up quickly too
Silver anti-seize, That stuff is so messy.
I’d start by taking the chain off and soaking it in a solvent (or measure it first to make sure it’s still good – if not, new chain time). Then, with the chain off, spray all the components with something like Silca’s Brake and Drivetrain cleaner. Give it a GOOD soaking let it sit, then gently wash off (not with pressure) with a hose. Wipe it down with microfiber cloth or gear wipes – see what it looks like. If it’s still bad, do it again. You may have to get in there with a tooth brush or a pick to get rid of some gunk. If it’s still bad, then. . .take it off, and soak it all in a solvent over night. Or take it to someone for ultrasonic cleaning.
After everything is clean, then put the new or cleaned chain back on.
Take it to a Local Bike Shop. Pay for a new chain, cassette and clean. Thank me later 😊
Find a friend with an ultrasonic bath
If you’d like to attempt to take the chain off, this link is a quick connector called a missing link that can be popped open and release the chain.
[How to install a missing link](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=neMKSd-BkyU)
https://preview.redd.it/i98ttda8nnug1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=116e37adbf359145e8b8e9737bf7f65c45785824
Would wd40 work here?
I recommend getting chain stretch checker, a chain breaker, and a new chain. Those three items shouldn’t set you back more than $40 on Amazon. The stretch checker and chain breaker are tools well worth having IMO and that chain probably will need replacing soon if not already there.
A toothpick works great for this! Spin the pedals backwards so the chain is constantly moving and press a toothpick against those spinning cogs to clean them off.