I recently cleaned my chains (for the first time a week ago) on my 03 M800 and I was wondering if my chains look okay? I first used WD40 to clean the chains and then sprayed and wiped with Chain Wax. I applied one final coat on the chain. As you can see in the pix that its pretty clean now. When I touch the chain, it feels dry and waxy. It that how its suppose to be? Previously the chains were sticky and "globey" probably a byproduct of the chains being cleaned with lube. Im assuming its okay since I used Chain WAX but I wanted to check with the group. TIA
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/jowech/SJvrELxxRII/AAAAAAAAAPM/UG3tVKdasAw/Chain%208708.jpg)
In my experience O ring chains don't need a whole lot of lube as the most important part has sealed in lubricant. I'm not saying it doesn't need lube, just not alot. As long as it isn't getting noisey your ok.
it should be ok.
if you get fling-off, you put too much on ;)
You need to be really careful with the WD40, not good for O-rings! Causes them to swell and deteriorate. Anyway, the knock on chain "wax" is that it hardens up after a bit, attracts dirt and can actually be an abrasive to things. Do a search here and you will find that most of us like either the Dupont Teflon or Belray Clear Lube (not a wax). Very little fling from either...
What kind of wax are you using? I went through a half a bottle of Maxima right before I went through a chain. The stuff just didn't penetrate well enough and the thing stretched way the hell out, even after 50 mile maintenance intervals. Sure the outside of the chain was coated well, but it rarely made it past the o-rings, and when nit did, it didn't last long. Have since switched to PJs lube and have little washing to do, no wiping, and the tiniest, tiniest bit of fling and only have to apply once every few hundred miles. Used dry lubes on my bicycle chain for years, but I can't recommend this PJs stuff enough, but as hypurone suggested, any high end lube will do the job. Just make sure to keep up on regular service intervals. You don't want a chain getting excessively stretched over a long ride and slapping around on your swingarm (don't ask how I know).
Buuuut....if you're waxing regularly and not noticing any chain slack increasing, the dry waxy feeling is ok. That's what the stuff does.
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. . . I went through a half a bottle of Maxima right before I went through a chain. The stuff just didn't penetrate well enough and the thing stretched way the hell out, even after 50 mile maintenance intervals.
:o
I freak out when I don't know how to do something right, maintenance-wise. Written instructions aren't enough for me. Thank God for California Cycleworks and their youtube videos. Here's the chain care vid link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=682LEXdI-80