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630 O-ring Chain Not Worn But Very Stiff

Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2023 9:14 am
Author: Hack
Dropped the back wheel out to get new tyre and couldn't believe how stiff the chain was - every link.
It's several years old but very low mileage with no detectable wear (20 links is still 15") with a 10kg weight attached
Have mostly used Wurth high performance chain wax.

The last couple of years have only seen about 130m/yr. Is lack of use a likely cause?

Tried lubing with light oil and flexing to no avail, but I can make some nice sculptures with it!
I guess there's nothing for it but to replace as a kit.
In which case what's the verdict on 530 X-ring conversion these days?

Re: 630 O-ring Chain Not Worn But Very Stiff

Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2023 10:53 am
Author: zed1015
The chain wax can gum up the rollers etc if stood a long time.
Give it a good solvent wash to free it up.
Blow out with compressed air and re-lube.

Re: 630 O-ring Chain Not Worn But Very Stiff

Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2023 11:28 am
Author: Hack
The chain wax can gum up the rollers etc if stood a long time.
Give it a good solvent wash to free it up.
Blow out with compressed air and re-lube.


I thought we were supposed to avoid getting solvents on the o-rings.
That said, the carrier for the chain wax evaporates very quickly so must be solvent based
The rollers are fairly free, the friction seems to be mostly associated with the plates and o-rings in between them.

Have seen a couple of videos suggesting diesel or paraffin so may try that.

Re: 630 O-ring Chain Not Worn But Very Stiff

Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2023 12:19 pm
Author: zed1015
Yes! It gets between the o'rings and side plates combined with dust etc and forms a hardened paste.
A wash with diesel, petrol etc doesn't do any harm for the short time it's on there.
Just blow it off with the compressor before lubing.