12.3 cleaning

Drivetrain Deep Clean (Monthly)

Drivetrain Deep Clean (Monthly). Step-by-step procedure for bike maintenance — tools, time, and what to watch out for.

Difficulty ★☆☆ easy
Time ~20 min
Applies to All bikes

Tools

  • Standard workshop tools

Procedure

  1. Remove the chain

    (3.3 quick link or 3.4 break a link).

  2. Soak the chain

    in a sealed bottle of degreaser. Shake vigorously for a minute.

  3. Drain the degreaser

    , refill with fresh, repeat.

  4. Final rinse with water

    (if water-based degreaser) and shake dry.

  5. Hang the chain

    to dry completely (or blow with compressed air).

  6. Meanwhile, scrub the cassette

    off the wheel using a brush and degreaser.

  7. Scrub the chainrings

    — both sides of each ring.

  8. Scrub the derailleur pulleys

    — pay attention to the gunk that accumulates around the pulley centers.

  9. Reinstall everything

    and **lube the chain** (12.4).
  1. Remove the chain (3.3 quick link or 3.4 break a link).
  2. Soak the chain in a sealed bottle of degreaser. Shake vigorously for a minute.
  3. Drain the degreaser, refill with fresh, repeat.
  4. Final rinse with water (if water-based degreaser) and shake dry.
  5. Hang the chain to dry completely (or blow with compressed air).
  6. Meanwhile, scrub the cassette off the wheel using a brush and degreaser.
  7. Scrub the chainrings — both sides of each ring.
  8. Scrub the derailleur pulleys — pay attention to the gunk that accumulates around the pulley centers.
  9. Reinstall everything and lube the chain (12.4).