Why is it bad to use brake cleaner for your motorcycle chain.

I think this is something that bikers usually think about. When you don’t have time and your chain lube runs out, you happen to have brake cleaner or carburetor cleaner next to you (if you still use it) so you might think, “Eh, what’s the difference?” and immediately spray it on your chain and after you feel there is no difference and it becomes a habit, some workshops also do that for the same reason, although I think workshops tend to do it more because of economic factors.

Chain lube is usually made of a base oil, a thickening agent, and an anti-corrosive agent; actually, you can also use gear oil or something similar to lubricate your chain; it’s just that chain lube uses aerosol to propel those so that they can stick to the chain properly. I suppose that’s quite important in its application.

A roller chain is like a necklace of interconnected pins. But instead of beads, each pin has a cylindrical roller on it. These rollers help the chain glide smoothly over sprockets, which are those toothed wheels that drive the chain. The pins are held together by plates: inner plates that keep the rollers in place and outer plates that connect one link to the next. The spaces between the links allow the sprocket teeth to fit in and turn the chain.

To keep dirt and other gunk from getting inside the chain and causing problems, some modern chains have rubber pads inside the links. These pads act like little seals, preventing dirt from seeping in and messing things up.

Chain lube is specifically designed for chains and it’s gentle on the rubber seals inside. But brakes or carb cleaners are not. It’s designed to clean, not lube, so it can wear out those rubber seals pretty quickly. And once the seals go bad, your chain’s going to get dirty and wear out fast.

Brake cleaner can actually get into your o-rings and strip away the lube, making your chain dry out super quick. It’s basically like using sandpaper on your chain. And if your chain’s dry, it’s going to wear out faster and not last as long.

Think of it this way: chain lube is like a protective layer for your chain, keeping it healthy and strong. But brake cleaner is like a harsh detergent that strips away that protection.

Solvent-based brake cleaners are a no-no for chains. They’re packed with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like toluene, xylene, hexane, heptane, and methyl alcohol. These chemicals can be harsh on the chain and even damage it over time. Plus, they’re not designed to lubricate. They’re meant to clean, and that’s where they fall short when it comes to chains.

What you really need is a chain lube that’s based on oil. This stuff is specifically designed to penetrate the chain and provide the lubrication it needs to run smoothly. It’s like giving your chain a protective coating that helps prevent wear and tear. And the best part is, it’s easy to apply. Just spray it on, let it soak in, and you’re good to go.

Don’t worry about leaving it on too long. Chain lube is formulated to be absorbed into the chain over time. So, even if you leave it on overnight, it’ll still do its job.

Some are going to say that they use brake cleaner for the chain and nothing happens to their chain; maybe nothing will happen in the near future but it’s not a good idea. Besides, price between chain lube and brake cleaner is not too far; why compromise? I suppose you’d rather use a device that is suitable for its intended use than have to force yourself to use something that is not intended for it.

Use everything according to its function and lubricate your chain with chain lube or other materials suitable for the chain; at least your motorcycle will thank you in the long run.