Dangers of using WD40

[anon]

From: Muddy Rutter Sent: 29/03/2003

Following on from a thread started today by Paul (Citrux) I thought that it is worth noting the potential dangers of WD40 in Tech Info. We have no firm proof of the problems with WD40 but it is said to contain benzine which would probably harden the delicate rubber lip found on items such as fork seals.

Paul rides year round on his awesome commute from Northampton to London and recommends ScotF365 for most of the bike and he only uses WD40 for HT leads etc.

This thread regarding WD40 (10th February 2003), was originally posted by wafooRN (Royal Navy?):


"WD 40 is deadly to seals.............never ever ever put it on your shiny shock bits.........cause you'll end up with no bounce.....just a load of oil seeping out.Never ever put it on rubber bits,plastic bits or anything of that nature....Never ever ever get it near tyres.Put it on the metal bits with a cloth.never ever spray cause it goes everywhere.
We used it at sea on helicopters and it wasn't long before we realized it didn't cure everything like it was supposed to......and every kind of carp sticks to it.BAAAAAAD.
I use a mountain bike shock absorber grease on my shocks.....works a treat.
Gee better go lie down now...............overtaxed my brain.
Waffs"


Regards,

Nick

From: rowlf Sent: 29/03/2003

INFORMATION ON WD40

Apparently there are two types of WD40, the newer one of which has 'petroleum distillates' as the main component. the older one has Hydrocarbon solvent (white spirit apparently) as the main ingredient. Both have a small proportion of light machine oil.

There was a report some time ago of fires being caused because the petroleum based one is far more flammable, so be careful! See which one you have, especially if you smoke.

Component of the older one

67% Hydrocarbon solvent (White Spirit)
21% Mineral oil
2-3% Carbon Oxide (propellant)

The composition on the petroleum based WD40 says, BTW this version is is very flammable !

60-70% petroleum distillates
15-25% base oil
2-3% carbon dioxide (propellant)

So WD40 is simply a mixture of white spirit or 'petroleum based' products with some light oil. Plus a propellant (CO2).
I believe (have heard) that the 'petroleum solvents' are in fact a common enough product called Stoddard Solvent which is a mixture of many chemicals, used as a cleaner and as thinners. But I can't confirm this and doubt WD40 will. They make far too much money to give away their secrets.

Updated by Reaper

WD40 should NOT be used on any type of rubber.

Or any circuit board as it dissolves it.

[latestartertommy]

anon2 said:

From: Muddy Rutter Sent: 29/03/2003

Apparently there are two types of WD40, the newer one of which has 'petroleum distillates' as the main component. the older one has Hydrocarbon solvent (white spirit apparently) as the main ingredient.

Shouldn't it therefore be WD41?

Ride safe,

Tommy.

[CD]

Werner also says WD40 makes brake pads fall apart.
(Making mental note to get some proper brake cleaner.)

[eliminator]

ACF50 is good stuff. Look it up on the internet.

[rabbitstu]

Use WD40 all the time for cleaning metal, it's great for getting rid of oily crud. Tend to use ACF50 as a protectant and lubricant (they also do a general purpose grease which is supposed to hinder corrosion (it also has a high melting point so is safe to use on sliding caliper pins)).
Have been using the WD40 to clean the chain but I wonder if it might effect the 'O' rings Are you sure this stuff about WD40 isn't just alarmist propaganda?

[CD]

I hear that WD40 is very similar to diesel fuel. My D600 chain o-rings were always ok and with all the diesel spilled around here the chain must have been well coated.

[mbb2000]

Apart from anything else, the advice earlier about spaying on to a cloth should be a rule as when spraying direct its almost impossible to avoid overspray from going onto things like brake discs and you don't want to be doing that!

[7omly]

Hello to everyone
Please never use Petrolium jelly (Vaseline) on anything made of rubber if you place any value on it.
The clue here is in the product name.
'Petroleum' Jelly, it will totally destroy rubber over time.
Even condom manufacturers tell their customers not to use it as a lubricant for the very same reason.
All the best
7omly

[CD]

We should all know this but it includes brake system seals.
Also avoid petroleum grease on nylon parts. They swell and sieze as I found out when my speedo drive melted after I lubed with moly grease. Always use white grease or better red brake grease on nylon.