2007-02-07 17:59:33 · 14 answers · asked by darkling 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
WD-40 is a mixture of solvents and light oils which are not good for paint. Wax that is good for your paint will work well on chrome. When you wash, you could use chrome polish, and then wax the whole bike, shiny bits and all.
2007-02-07 19:47:35 · answer #1 · answered by Firecracker . 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, I completely disagree! WD-40 was designed to displace water and not as a true lubricant or rust inhibitor. The formula is actually made up of a corrosive solvent with a paraffin (wax). The paraffin will quiet squeaks and temporarily displace moisture, but the solvent could lift chrome or paint as it penetrates and lifts any moisture from beneath the plating.
Several years ago there was an independent study out showing the effects of WD-40 on several materials over a 2 year period, including door hinges that actually started to wear prematurely. The pictures showed corrosion similar to acid used for etching circuit boards. Even though the tests were performed in a blind study with other similar products, the site hosting those results suddenly disappeared after reports of legal pressure from the manufacturer.
Personally the only time I ever use the stuff is to free rusty bolts that will be replaced or discarded after removal. I would never use it on anything chrome or any fastener I planned on keeping.
TC-11 is a much better product for protecting metal surfaces from the elements.
2007-02-08 04:55:08 · answer #2 · answered by Bike-Talk.com 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Chrome doesn't "rust." It may get stained, but chrome won't rust. The metal under it, if it is a thin coating of chrome over base metal, will rust and cause the chrome to peel, though. Always check the thickness of the plating when buying chrome.
Don't use WD40 on anything that may get hot (like headers, pipes, covers, etc.) as it will burn and leave a brownish residue.
The best thing to do with chrome (if you must have it) is to polish it occasionally with a chrome polish. I use Mother's, but there are many brands out there.
Of course, I am in the process of replacing that %$#&^# chrome with powder-coated and painted parts, because I like riding more than polishing.
2007-02-07 23:20:52 · answer #3 · answered by Grendle 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Definitely not. Use a good polish (semichrome) then wax to protect. Most chrome on motorcycles is actually polished aluminum. Most of this is covered in clear laquer by the manufacturer. WD-40 and it's effects in sunlight will remove the laquer and allow additional corrosion.
WD-40 does what it's manufacturer reports, stops squeaks, very well. Use it for those.
2007-02-09 01:58:31 · answer #4 · answered by parrothead_33033 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not use wd40, I would use chrome poilsh and do that regularly. wd40 is for squeeks and bolts that wont come off, not for polish. If your going to use it for that, then use it as a non stick cooking spray too, probably works just as well :)
2007-02-07 18:06:18 · answer #5 · answered by skippypeanutbutter! 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
1
2017-03-05 00:08:10 · answer #6 · answered by Geneva 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It did for me. Due to my job, I had to store my Harley (that is loaded with chrome) for 2 years unattended and the only place I could find available was my mother's roof covered only patio in Ohio. I saturated it from top to bottom with WD40. Even the leather seat, tires and all the rubber, plastic,,,everything. After giving the propellant a day to dry, I put on its fitted nylon cover. I knew when the day came that I would come back for it that I would have to give it a good washing but that would be a small price to pay if this treatment worked. It endured thru 2 snowy winters - this last one (2013/14) especially - before I came back and got it. The greasy residue the WD40 left on all the bike dissolved right off using a sudsy bucket of Dawn dishwashing liquid and warm water. AMAZING... it looked just as great as the day I first put it on her patio. Not one speck of rust anywhere or any stains. It truely does live up to its name of Water Displacement because I now know it maintained a barrier on all applied surfaces and repelled any and all water and moisture. I know, and do agree, that the best way to keep rust off of chrome and metal is to keep it clean and dry. But, if you're faced with a situation where your chrome and metal will go unattended for a lengthy period of time, expecially when it will be exposed to the elements, just having it clean and dry will not be enough. It will still be exposed to just the moisture in the air and this moisture will eventually cause it to start rusting. Tim B - Beavercreek, OH
2014-07-18 03:14:20 · answer #7 · answered by Weezer 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, of course not, but it was a clever question. All those other males went at it too. You and I both knew the limitations of WD-40 before ANSWERS recieved your question, isn't that right? A 'helpless damsel needs rescue' thang must be funny. Do you do this often?
2007-02-10 15:50:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
WD40 will make it look great for a bit untill it starts attracting dust and debris real bad
2007-02-09 12:40:21 · answer #9 · answered by Billy T 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depending on the application of the chrome.
For wheels and mirrors and such. I use a polish called Semichrome. this works great with little effort.
on exhaust chrome, don't use anything flammable, hit your local bike shop and see what's available for that application.
2007-02-07 18:15:37 · answer #10 · answered by SCREWBAG 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋