Chain Cancer??

Stuff you should know if you don't already know: If I studied really hard, I might be able to become a mechanical NOVICE. i.e. - I am capable of checking my tire pressure and that's about the extent of it.

So, I was lubing my chain for the first time (just recently got the bike) and noticed a small bit of rust on one of the links. Cause for concern? Is it a "stop riding right now" kinda issue or a "should probably replace your chain in the next ____ miles" kinda issue?


Thanks in advance.

 

OMG your bike is toast….Dont ride it at all…In fact I will be right over to take it to the "dump" for you. :black_eyed:

You should be fine….just oil that rascal and use a rag to wipe the chain evenly….

 

Down where you are, you are going to have to make sure you keep that chain lubed well. Not only for it's lubrication, but also to protect the links from your salt air. Surface rust on the outside of the links is nothing to really worry about so long as you realize it is there and take measured to stop it.

I would go invest in a can of chain cleaner and really soak that chain well and wipe it clean. DuPont makes a good chain cleaner and it is relatively cheap and easy to come by. Kerosene works well too but I think the task specific chain cleaner cleans more thorough. Then give the chain a real good lube. There are many good chain lubes out there and everyone has their favorite. I like the DuPont Chain Saver because it goes on and dries leaving the lube there to do its thing, but not all that gunk to fly off and get all over your wheels. Normally you would wipe off the excess lube after it has set on the chain for 15 minutes or so. I wipe the outside of the chain down really well for cosmetic reasons, but again, where you are, you should be leaving a film of that stuff on there to prevent the salt air from getting at the links.

Your chain is going to wear out well before those links will rust through.

 

While you are looking at your chain, read up on and learn how to adjust your chain. That is a very simple yet important part of proper maintenance. You don't want that chain breaking or flying off on you. And you don't want to over tighten it either so learn what the proper adjustment is.

 

No issue save you need to oil the chain more often, then wipe off excess so it doesnt spray everywhere. If you ride in the rain, wipe the water off then oil and remove excess. Never use wd40 as a lube! It is a solvent with lubricating properties. Kinda like gasoline, it does lube then washes off everything else!

The book (owners manual) says 80 or 90w gear oil, I would warm up the bottle before using, peanut butter pours faster otherwise.
I was using a chain spray that my local dealer suggested, using 80w now and looking at chainwax spray.

When checking your chain, check for any links that get stuck, this is a sign to get a new one soon as they usually are not fixable. That said, could be lack of lube and you might just have to remove the chain and work it loose then soak the chain in clean and warm 80w overnight then drip the excess out during your work day (might have to take the cage to work if you dont have another bike). I saved my cm200t's chain that way.
Make sure you have the right amount of slack in your chain, took much and it can fall off, too little and it will wear out fast and cause excessive sprocket wear. Never run a old chain on new sprockets or a new chain on worn sprockets. New chain on old but good sprockets is ok, but best is to replace the works as a set (not always feasible and the wallet will cry a lot over it).

 

i got my bike a year ago and didn't know i was suppose to do anything with chain either, don't feel bad. when i posted pics of tires some commented on my chain. they make special chain brush to scrub it, got one of those and these 2 products below. one to clean, one to lube.

 

To adjust chain slack properly you first need to find the tightest spot along the chain and adjust for slack there, disregarding the looser areas. Chain should be adjusted cold and lubed hot after riding.
How many miles on the bike ?? Stock OEM chains or best-quality replacements are usually junk by about 20-25,000 miles.:blue: Caution for newer rider: after chain is re-lubed, stop and inspect left side of rear tire after a few miles, checking for any sign of shiney oil fling-off that would seriously endanger hard left turns, catch you out and land you on yer ass !!! Just 4 safety, ya know ?

 

Thanks everyone!