02-12-2015, 01:20 PM
The secret to chain life is keeping the rubber o rings between the rollers and the side plates pliable. Keeping the chain tension properly adjusted, and avoiding jack rabbit starts. The chains have lubrication sealed inside the roller by an oring from the factory. When the o rings dry out, crack and fall out, the internal lubrication leaks out, allowing moisture and grit to get inside individual rollers which will lock up causing a stiff spot. Keeping a chain clean on the outside will keep wear down where rollers and side plates contact the sprockets and will also lengthen the life of the sprockets themselves.
Most chain lubes will attract and keep the very abrasives we don't want on our chains.it's a catch 22. Keep them lubed and attract dirt or don't lube them and let the orings dry out. Luckily chains are so good these days that they will go 20,000 to 30,000 miles with even rudimentary care.
Most chain lubes will attract and keep the very abrasives we don't want on our chains.it's a catch 22. Keep them lubed and attract dirt or don't lube them and let the orings dry out. Luckily chains are so good these days that they will go 20,000 to 30,000 miles with even rudimentary care.