How to Remove and Clean Rusty Bike Chain

Zuletzt aktualisiert am June 3, 2024

30 - 45 Minuten

Leicht

Einleitung

Rusty bike chains are an issue, as they can weaken and suddenly snap during use. This guide will show how to clean your chain.

Here, we show a Raleigh Detour bike, but the steps will apply to almost any mutli-speed bike.

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Align a chain tool with one of the pins on the chain as shown.
Twist the handle of the chain tool in the clockwise direction to push the driving pin (of the chain tool) into the pin on the chain. This will begin to push the chain pin out.
Be careful not to push the pin all the way out, as this will make it very difficult to re-assemble the chain once you're done cleaning.
Separate the two links that were joined by that pin once the chain pin is pushed out of the inner link (but not out of the outer link).
Pull the chain completely off of the chain rings.

Spray a rag with degreaser.
Pull the chain through the rag while rubbing it in order to remove loose rust and dirt.

Fill a bucket with degreaser to a depth of about 10 cm.
Place the chain in the bucket and allow it to soak for at least 15 minutes.
Depending on how rusty your chain is, you may need to soak the chain for a longer period of time.

Apply some white vinegar to a steel wool sponge.
Remove the chain from the degreaser bucket.
Pull the chain through the steel wool sponge while scrubbing it in order to remove remaining rust.
The remainder of the guide consists of reassembly instructions.

Loop the chain around the top of one of the chain rings on the rear wheel of the bike.
Take the end of the chain on the rear side of the chain ring and lower it toward the derailleur.
Wind the chain in a clockwise direction around the first derailleur pulley as shown.
Wind the chain counterclockwise around the second derailleur pulley so it exits the derailleur going toward the front of the bike.

Pinch the two ends of the chain together.
Place the chain tool at the junction of these two links, with the driving pin of the chain tool aligned with the extruding chain pin.
Twist the chain tool handle clockwise (as if to tighten) to push the pin back into the chain links.

Flip the bike over so you can move the rear wheel (and thus the chain) freely.
Apply lube to the chain while using a rag to catch any excess lube. Be sure to turn the pedal cranks to move the chain as you pour the lube. This will make sure that the chain is fully lubricated.
Wipe off any excess lube with the rag.
Excess lube remaining on the chain can collect dust and dirt, leading to future rust and potentially undoing all of your progress.