Ebike Chain Care Made Easy: A Step-by-Step Lubing Tutorial

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Hey there, fellow ebike enthusiasts! Got a squeaky chain making your ride sound like an old rusty gate? Don’t worry, you’re not alone, and I’m here to help you get things smooth and silent again. In this article, we’ll dive into the simple process of lubing your ebike chain, keeping it happy and extending its life.

These are the basic steps we’ll be covering to get your ebike chain in tip-top shape:

1. Clean the chain to remove dirt and grime.
2. Dry the chain thoroughly.
3. Apply lubricant evenly along the chain.
4. Wipe off excess lube to prevent dirt buildup.

In the rest of this guide, I’ll walk you through each of these steps in detail, giving you some pro tips and tricks to make the job even easier. We’ll also talk about different types of lubes and how to know when it’s time for a re-lube.

What You’re Going To Need

• Chain cleaner or degreaser
• A stiff brush (an old toothbrush works great!)
• Clean rags or a shop towel
• Chain lube (specific to bicycles)
• A bike stand (optional, but makes the job easier)
• Gloves (optional, but keeps your hands clean)

Video Tutorial

Before we get started, here’s a helpful video that visually demonstrates the chain lubing process:

This video will give you a great visual reference to complement the written instructions below.

STEP 1: Clean the Chain

The first and arguably most important step in lubing your ebike chain is to give it a good cleaning. Think of it this way: applying fresh lube to a dirty chain is like putting on clean socks over dirty feet – it just doesn’t work! Dirt, grime, and old gunk can prevent the new lube from penetrating properly, leading to continued wear and tear.

You have a couple of options for cleaning your chain:

• Degreaser and Brush: This is a very effective method, especially for chains that are heavily soiled. Apply a bike-specific degreaser to the chain, making sure to coat all sides. Let it sit for a few minutes to break down the grime. Then, use a stiff brush (an old toothbrush, a dedicated chain cleaning brush, or even a parts washing brush will do) to scrub the chain thoroughly. Work your way around the entire length of the chain, paying attention to the rollers and side plates. Rinse the chain with water to remove the degreaser and loosened dirt.
• Chain Cleaner Tool: There are various chain cleaning tools available that make this process a bit easier and less messy. These tools typically have brushes and a reservoir for cleaning solution. You attach the tool to the chain and pedal backward, allowing the brushes to scrub the chain as it passes through. Follow the instructions that come with your specific chain cleaner tool.
• DIY Cleaning Solution: If you don’t have a bike-specific degreaser, you can create your own cleaning solution using dish soap and warm water. While this might not be as effective as a dedicated degreaser, it can still do a decent job for lightly soiled chains.

Tips for Cleaning:

1. Protect your workspace: Cleaning your chain can get messy, so it’s a good idea to protect your work area. You can use an old towel, newspaper, or a drop cloth to catch any drips or spills.
2. Wear gloves: Degreasers and cleaning solutions can be harsh on your skin, so wearing gloves is recommended.
3. Be thorough: Make sure to clean every link of the chain, paying attention to both the inside and outside.
4. Rinse thoroughly: If you use a degreaser or soap, make sure to rinse the chain thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue. Any remaining degreaser can break down the new lube you apply.

STEP 2: Dry the Chain

Once you’ve cleaned your chain, it’s crucial to dry it completely before applying any lube. Water can prevent the lube from adhering properly and can also lead to rust.

Here are a few ways to dry your chain:

• Rags or Shop Towels: The simplest way to dry your chain is to use clean rags or shop towels. Wipe down the entire length of the chain, making sure to get into the links and rollers. Keep wiping with a clean section of the rag until the chain is as dry as possible.
• Air Dry: If you have the time, you can let the chain air dry. This might take a while, especially if it’s humid, but it’s a hands-off approach. You can speed up the process by using a fan.
• Compressed Air: If you have access to compressed air, you can use it to blow the water off the chain. This is a quick and effective method.

Tips for Drying:

1. Be patient: Make sure the chain is completely dry before moving on to the next step. Don’t rush this process.
2. Check hidden spots: Pay attention to areas where water might accumulate, such as inside the chain links.
3. Consider a chain dryer tool: There are tools specifically designed to dry bike chains, which can be helpful if you clean your chain frequently.

STEP 3: Apply Lubricant

Now that your chain is clean and dry, it’s time for the main event: applying the lube! This is where you’ll bring back the smoothness and quietness to your ride. But not all lubes are created equal, and the way you apply it matters too.

Choosing the Right Lube:

There are primarily two main types of bike chain lubes:

• Wet Lube: This type of lube is designed for wet and muddy conditions. It’s thicker and stickier, providing excellent protection against water and grime. However, it also tends to attract more dirt, requiring more frequent cleaning. Wet lube is a good choice if you frequently ride in challenging weather conditions.
• Dry Lube: Dry lube is thinner and goes on wet but dries to a waxy or ceramic coating. It doesn’t attract as much dirt as wet lube, making it a better choice for dry and dusty conditions. It’s generally preferred for ebikes used on roads and paved trails.

Important Note for Ebikes: Given the higher torque and power of ebike motors, a high-quality lube specifically designed for bicycle chains is essential. Avoid using general-purpose lubricants like WD-40, as they are not designed for the specific needs of a bicycle chain and can actually do more harm than good in the long run.

How to Apply Lube:

• Position the chain: If you have a bike stand, this will make the process much easier. If not, you can lean your bike against a wall or flip it upside down (if you’re comfortable with that).
• Apply to the inside of the chain: The most effective way to lube your chain is to apply the lube to the inside of the chain, where the rollers connect with the pins. This ensures that the lube penetrates where it’s needed most.
• Lube each link: Apply a small drop of lube to each link as you slowly pedal backward. Be methodical and make sure you hit every single link.
• Don’t over-lube: More lube is not always better. Over-lubing can attract more dirt and create a mess. A small drop per link is sufficient.

Tips for Applying Lube:

1. Use a nozzle or applicator: Most bike lubes come with a small nozzle or applicator to help you apply the lube precisely.
2. Work in sections: If you’re having trouble reaching all the links, work in sections. Apply lube to a few links, then move the chain and repeat.
3. Let it penetrate: After applying the lube, let it sit for a few minutes (check the lube manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended time) to allow it to penetrate the chain.

STEP 4: Wipe off Excess Lube

This is a crucial step that many people overlook, but it’s essential for keeping your chain clean and efficient. Excess lube attracts dirt and grime like a magnet, creating a grinding paste that can wear down your chain and drivetrain components.

Here’s how to wipe off the excess lube:

• Use a clean rag: Take a clean, dry rag and gently wipe down the entire length of the chain.
• Pedal backward: As you wipe, pedal backward to cycle the chain through the rag, ensuring that you remove excess lube from all sides.
• Focus on the outside: Pay particular attention to wiping the outside of the chain, as this is where dirt is most likely to accumulate.

Tips for Wiping:

1. Use a lint-free rag: A lint-free rag will prevent leaving any fibers on the chain.
2. Check the rollers: Make sure the rollers are clean and free of excess lube. They should move freely.
3. Repeat if necessary: If you still see a lot of excess lube, repeat the wiping process.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! You’ve successfully lubed your ebike chain. By following these simple steps, you’ll not only keep your ride smooth and quiet but also extend the life of your chain and drivetrain. Remember, regular maintenance is key to enjoying your ebike for many miles to come.

To recap, we’ve covered how to properly clean your chain, dry it thoroughly, apply the right type of lube, and wipe off any excess. With a little practice, this will become a quick and easy routine. So, get out there and enjoy the ride!