Imagine commuting to work or just running errands and your bike chain keeps snapping just because you ignored the tell-tale signs of rusting! How frustrating would that be?
Riding a bike with a rusty chain further aggravates its condition, while at the same time it endangers your life, So, how do you know that the bike chain has outlived its function and needs replacement?
Well, in this article, I have discussed some tried and tested solutions to chain rusting, as well as recommended some preventative measures to curb the age-old rust menace. Read on!
Why is My Bike Chain Rusting?
A bike chain is to a bike as an engine is to a car. This simply means a bike chain is the most important part of a bike. However, if not properly taken care of and it gets rusty, it won’t be as efficient and you will more often than not experience chain snapping. Chain rusting is normal especially if your bike has seen better days.
To better understand how rusting comes about, you need to ask yourself;
What is Rust?
Rust also referred to as Iron (III)Oxide is usually a red metallic compound that forms on another metal when that metal is exposed to moisture and oxygen, through a chemical reaction called oxidation.
Therefore, when your bike chain is regularly exposed to oxygen-filled moisture, oxidation occurs which literally transforms the bike chain into rust.
Factors influencing bike chain rusting
- Leaving your bike in a garage or bike lock-up for long periods during the humid months.
- Water from the rain or puddles washes oil off your chain. So if you don’t lubricate the chain after a wet ride, after some time, rust will form.
Rusting does not happen overnight, it builds up over time unnoticeably. That is why as a cyclist, it’s important to clean and dry your bike after a wet ride and also maintain your bike chain consistently.
If you notice any traces of rust appearing, take action immediately before it worsens because it will be harder to remove once it becomes extreme.
The good thing is, you shouldn’t hang your bike just yet because there is rust on the chain. I will share with you some proven ways of removing rust from your bike chain successfully.
You will just need to follow the steps below;
How to Remove Rust from Bike Chain
Before we get into how to clean a rusty bike chain, here are some tools you will need;
- Rubber gloves
- Stiff brushes or bristles and a scouring pad
- Degreaser/ heavy grime
- Light spray oil such as WD 40
- Cycle-specific chain lubricant
The procedure;
Step 1: Examine the chain to determine the extent of damage
Check the entire length of the bike chain thoroughly to ascertain where the surface grime or rust build-up has occurred. This is because rust only affects a portion of the chain.
To do this, hung the bike on its rack or put it in an upside-down position, and spin the foot pedal in a backward motion for several rotations. This will help you in checking for grime and rust between the chain link.
After evaluation, given the amount of rust that has formed, you will be able to decide whether your chain just needs cleaning and lubrication or in the worst case, replacement.
If the rust and crustiness are only on the surface, some thorough cleaning and lubrication will get you going. But if you observe warping, inconsistent chain color, and metal deterioration, replacing the bike chain would be the best option.
Step 2: Remove the chain before cleaning
If you find that the rust is minimal, you can clean the chain normally as when you are cleaning the bike. However, if the rust is extensive, in order to clean effectively, you will be required to detach the chain from the bike.
To detach the chain easily and properly from the bike, you need to locate the master link. When you look at the bike chain, the link that looks slightly different from the rest of the chain links is what is called a master link. Most modern bikes have a master link.
When you find the master link, snuggle a pin into the slot of the connecting chain link to disconnect it from the rest of the chain, then finally take it off the bike.
If your bike is an old model and doesn’t come with a master link, you will need to pull out the chain manually by jumping a link of a gear spike. This is the only way to remove the chain easily.
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Step 3: Clean the surface rust using a scouring pad and then soak the chain in a degreaser
Start by wiggling the chain to remove loose dirt particles then wipe off the dust and rust on the surface of your chain using a dry rag or a scouring pad. Once this is done, you’ll be able to see the extent of the rust more clearly.
Because rust forms beneath the accumulated grease, you will need a degreaser to be able to effectively remove the grease and grime. Put the chain in a bucket with the degreaser and let it soak for about 20- 30 minutes. If the rust is severe, you can soak it for 24 hours.
Afterward, rinse the chain thoroughly with warm water, using a rag or a soft brush to rid the chain completely free from grease.
Ensure that you handle the degreaser with gloves to avoid skin damage.
Step 5: Resume scrubbing the chain with steel wool and hard brittles
Here, you’ll be required to use steel wool soaked in lime juice to scrub the chain thoroughly. The lime juice is preferred because it contains citric acid which is known to be excellent at stripping off the rust.
Using a number of different-sized brushes, scrub the hard-to-reach areas between center rollers and the side plates of the chain.
After working on the chain for some time, use a dry rag or a paper towel to wipe off and see how much of the rust is still remaining. Repeat the process until the rust is no more, then rinse the chain thoroughly to remove any traces of steel wool and lime juice.
Step 6: Use WD-40 to break up stubborn and tough rust
WD-40 should only be used as a last resort to get rid of the notorious leftover rust. This is a multi-purpose cleaning agent that works for rust removal. Spray the WD-40 directly to the rusted spot and let it sit for a while before wiping it off. This loosens the rust which makes scrubbing much easier.
After scrubbing, wipe the chain again applying force to the rusted area, then dry it off with a cloth.
Step 7: Lubricate your chain
Lubing your chain is the last and most important thing you can do after thoroughly removing the rust. After lubricating the whole chain, use a cloth to wipe off any excess lube.
Remember, if you don’t oil the chain properly, it will rust again and you will be required to repeat the tedious cleaning process, or worse still, replace the chain altogether.
Step 8: Finally, reattach the chain
Depending on your bike model and the chain it has, refasten the chain-link accordingly. Get both ends of the chain, slide the master link and join the link again until you hear a click.
Test to ascertain that the link is attached correctly to the bike. If it runs smoothly, then you are good to go!
Warning
When scrubbing off the rust, please ensure that you have some protective goggles and gloves to prevent your skin and eyes from irritation or damage that may result from getting into contact with the cleaning agents.
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How to Remove Rust from Bike Chain with Vinegar
One of the ways to remove rust from your bike chain is by using vinegar. How? You may ask.
Method 1
- Mix the vinegar with the water in a ratio of 1:3 (one part vinegar to three parts water) in a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution over the rusty area.
- Allow it dry, for some time, and then scrub the rust off with a scouring pad or brush.
- Rinse off the vinegar thoroughly.
Method 2
- Mix the vinegar with the water in a ratio of 1:3 (one part vinegar to three parts water) in a bucket.
- Soak the bike chain in the solution for about 15-20 minutes to loosen the rust.
- Scrub the rust off and rinse thoroughly.
In both methods, you thoroughly rinse off the vinegar, preferably using the garden hose. Keep in mind that any unrinsed-off vinegar will continue corroding the bike chain.
After rinsing, dry off the bike chain, lubricate and finally reattach it back.
Lubricating your Bike Chain
To keep your bike chain from rusting, clean and lubricate it regularly, especially if you cycle often. However, don’t do it more than once in a month or before clocking 100 kilometers, whichever comes first.
To lubricate your bike, turn it upside down, hold the lube bottle pointed down at the bike chain’s midpoint, and then squeeze as you spin the wheels so as to get it to all parts of the chain.
With the market flooded with many lubricants, choose a brand that comes highly recommended, offers effective protection against rust, and is affordable.
Remember that applying excess lubricant is not recommended as it can also damage your bike chain.
Get a dry cloth and gently wipe off the excess oil
How can you prevent further rust?
Now that you successfully managed to remove rust from your bike chain, I believe that you want it to stay that way-rust free- forever. However, that requires some input from you as well as learning a few things on the same.
Keep the bike chain clean and dry
Make it a routine to clean and dry your bike chain at least monthly. Dirt, especially mud, and water are a perfect combination to create an environment favorable for oxidation, so when you return from a wet day ride and you passed through mud and puddles, wash your bike and dry it before storage.
Store your bike indoors
Moisture, mud, and salt are the main agents that promote rust and corrosion. So leaving your bike outside puts your bike at high risk of rusting due to elements of weather.
We recommend that you put your bike indoors, preferably in a shed or garage when not in use.
Rust-resistant bike chain
Invest in a rust-resistant chain since it’s ideal, doesn’t require regular lubrication and it’s less prone to corrosion. Nickel-plated chains offer these qualities and are available in most local bike stores.
Get some Chain Protection
Chain guards protect your bike chain from water and dust ultimately preventing corrosion. The chain guards are affordable and are value for money since they reduce repair costs, therefore, extending your bike’s life.
Rust Removal vs. Buying a New chain
One of the most important bike components is the chain. It requires special care to prevent it from rusting, which if left unattended, renders the chain useless.
Whether to clean the chain or throw it in the bin, is dependent on the extent of the rust and the state of the chain.
If the damage is basic, like some rusty spots here and there or just a thin layer on the chain surface, cleaning and restoring it would be a smart choice
However, if the rust covers a large portion of the chain and has sat there for a long period of time causing visible weakness and signs of warping, it’s obvious it’s time for a replacement.
Good thing is, that a bicycle chain is relatively affordable costing between $15-$30. So you might find it cheaper and less laborious to buy and fix a new chain than to restore a rusty one.
Make sure when shopping for a new chain, get one that’s specific to your drivetrain.
FAQs – How to Remove Rust from Bike Chain
Q. How do you get rust off a bike chain without removing it?
- Put your bike in an upside-down position for easier access
- Get the necessary tools, that is gloves, degreaser, spray bottle, steel wool, and a dry cloth
- Make a solution of baking soda + water or vinegar + water both in the ratio of 1:3 (vinegar: water) to act as a degreaser.
- Spray your bike chain and let it sit for a while before scrubbing with either steel wool or a hard brush
- If the stains are super stubborn, use WD40 as a degreaser in a spray bottle to loosen the rust for scrubbing.
- Repeat the process for as long as you need to.
Q. Will WD-40 Remove rust from the bike chain?
Yes, as much as WD-40 is made for cleaning and protecting metal surfaces, it has gained popularity when it comes to decreasing bike chains. Though not recommended for degreasing bike chains, it has proven to be very effective.
Q. Does vinegar remove rust from bike chain?
Yes. Apart from vinegar being an affordable and popular household item, the acetic acid in it helps in dissolving the rust formed in the bike chain. Vinegar is however only effective when the rust is fresh.
Mix the vinegar with the water at a ratio of 1:3 then put it in a spray bottle and spray on the rusty places.
Let it dry for a while then scrub the rust off. After, thoroughly rinse out the vinegar to prevent it from corroding
Another option is, to put the vinegar+ water solution in a bucket and soak the bike chain for 20-30 minutes, then scrub, rinse and finally lubricate.
Q. Can you restore a rusty bike chain?
Absolutely! If your bike chain hasn’t been completely written off because of oxidation you can restore it.
Apart from the degreaser bought from the bike store, a few household items can also be used to restore a rusty bike chain. These are;
- Lemon or lime juice
- Vinegar+ water
- Baking soda+ water
- Coke
- WD40
While the rust removal process largely remains the same, you can substitute the cleaning agents as listed above.
Conclusion – How to Remove Rust from Bike Chain
As long as humans survive on oxygen and water, rust is inevitable. No matter how much you’d want to keep your bike chain rust-free, it’s nearly impossible, so it’s better to make peace with that truth.
However, removing rust from your bike chain ought not to be a frustrating process, especially if you live along the coast or in a humid area where the elements elevate the oxidation process.
You can prevent rust formation by cleaning and lubricating the chain ring every so often because if you don’t, rust will start developing on the chain ring and spread to other metallic parts of your bike. Finally, it will render your bike useless if nothing is done to stop it.!
Finally, if you strictly follow the rust-removing processes, and lubricate and maintain your bike chain routinely, your riding experience will be smooth, efficient but most importantly enjoyable.
Happy riding!