Instructions: Degrease chain for chain wax

How do I properly degrease my chain before using chain wax?

What needs to be degreased?

Chain
cassette
Crank blades
Derailleur pulleys

Even if I already ride with wax?

For hot wax or water-based waxes, our liquid wax and hot wax can be applied directly.

What do I need for this?

• A solvent: Nitro thinner or brake cleaner (all other cleaners do not achieve the cleaning performance!). Alternatively, an additive for the ultrasonic bath can also be used

Gloves
Fresh air
Jar
Safety glasses (solvent in the eyes is really very unpleasant)
Paint brush

(IMPORTANT! Please only use nitro thinner or brake cleaner. Only these degreasers remove residual grease! Important so that the wax works properly later!)

And how do I do that?

Dismantle the chain.
If the chain is particularly dirty, pre-clean it with chain cleaner.
Place the chain in a jar and cover completely with degreaser.
If possible, allow it to take effect for a while, swirling/shaking it, and then work it on with a brush later.
The process should be repeated at least twice with fresh degreaser (until the liquid remains relatively clear).
Unscrew the cassette from the freewheel body (perfect for replacing the grease in the freewheel). Then repeat the same procedure as with the chain (you don't have to degrease it as meticulously here).
The chainrings are thoroughly wiped with a cloth soaked in degreaser.
After degreasing, allow the chain to air dry and then rinse it with water (otherwise the wax will not adhere properly).

Ultrasonic bath (optional):

Fill the USB with water and 10% ultrasonic cleaner . Put the chain in and work on it for 20 minutes. The warmer the water, the more soluble the grease is. Here too, rinse the chain briefly with water.

Alternatively:

Place the chain in a jar with degreasing in the USB. The ultrasonic waves are transmitted through the water into the jar. Please leave the heating function switched off here.

Disposal:

How do I dispose of the solvent?

Please take it to the recycling center. Some customers let it evaporate, but it goes faster with a bit of paper in it. The oil residue is then wiped up with a piece of paper and put in the general waste.

If everything went well, you can put your things back on and start growing!
*This is only intended as a help and not as a binding guide. We exclude any claims against us. No claim to completeness.

Frequently asked question

Here we give you all the answers to your most frequently asked questions.

Do I need to clean the chain again?

No, the degreasing process is completely eliminated and is therefore only necessary once when switching to chain wax.

Chain is running louder, what to do?

I have applied chain wax but now the chain is running much louder? What did I do wrong?

1 General:
After 50km of hot wax (break-in period) or generally after waxing, does the chain still run unevenly, loudly and do the chain links feel tough?

=> Then it is because the chain was not degreased correctly! Put the chain in a saucepan and let it boil in water for 15 minutes. The oil and wax will dissolve, then degrease again with brake cleaner, let it air out and re-wax!

2. Hot wax: Chain gets louder before 800-1000km? Then the wax was boiled too hot! The wax is too liquid and drips out of the chain, which affects the mileage. It is also possible that the wax was not heated up enough, which makes it harder for the wax to penetrate the chain. Moving the chain in the pot can also help to release air bubbles etc. from the chain.

3. Installation problems: Derailleur pulleys are directional (rattle if installed incorrectly). There is also a metal pin in the derailleur between the upper and lower derailleur pulleys (the chain must not run over it). Worn chainrings can sometimes make noise. Very rarely: chainrings installed the wrong way round (inside).

Can I mix hot and liquid wax?

Yes, all hot and liquid chain waxes are completely compatible with each other (including graphene, graphite, etc.). You don't have to pay attention to anything, just put the chain in the cooking pot or apply the wax.

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