I was considering taken apart my front and rear derailleur to clean it, but that was madness because I would never be able to put it together again…
How should I clean it while its still on the bike?
Should I use DEGREASER or AEROSOL LUBE?
I want to remove the dirt and grime so I can lube up, however I don’t mind if it doesn’t look brand new…
Thanks for your time!
2007-05-23 01:56:36 · 5 answers · asked by Kitty 1 in Sports ➔ Cycling
Give it a good wad of WD-40 or similar product (degreasing yet containing lubricant).
The important thing to note in this instance, is that your deraillers don't contain grease. Grease is the reason why you can't use these high-penetrents all over your bike, but it's okay on the deraillers. Spray it, and wipe with a cloth, be sure to wipe it all over, since you don't want any oil film left to attract the dust.
When you lube afterwards, be sure to use an oil which has a high tolerance with regards to compression. WD-40 is way too thin to lube (for extended periods of time anyway) areas that metal against metal under high pressure, such as deraillers. Oil looses its lubing effect when the pressure between the subject rises, and you need an oil that can keep up under these conditions. It's very difficult to see, og read these abilities on the back of a can, so ask in your LBS what they would recommend. I use a green oil from KROON, I use it for nipples as well when building wheels and it keeps "lubing" even under very high pressure.
Be sure to wipe again after lubing as well. Lube all moveable joints, engage the shifters to locate the moveable joints in case you are in doubt.
Go lube 'em!
2007-05-23 05:50:33 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first 2 answers are good ones. The person that suggested to use kerosene apparently doesn't know that there are "kerosene like" chemicals in WD40.
Just make sure to lubricate the derailleur well with bike lube when you are done.
2007-05-23 03:04:45 · answer #2 · answered by bikeworks 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd give a thumbs up for WD40 too. The solvent it contains is very good at disolving and breaking up the cack that builds up around rear deraileurs. Just give it a wipe down afterwards.
Of what you already mention, give it a good saoking with degreaser and scrub it with a toothbrush, then spray some grease into the pivot points afterwards.
2007-05-23 02:07:33 · answer #3 · answered by 203 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I use WD-40 to unstick alot of the grease and grime from the road, then use lots of detergent and a toothbrush to get rid of all the loosened dirt, rinse and repeat, then oil as it required and you should be good.
You are wise not to take the deraileur to pieces.
2007-05-23 02:00:22 · answer #4 · answered by ralphseviltwin 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Get some kerosene and a brush and clean it outside then relube it~~
2007-05-23 02:14:39 · answer #5 · answered by burning brightly 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋