WD-40 Bad?!

[alexchen86]

So this entire time reading Traxxas manuals and what not for water runs and stuff they recommend using WD-40 as a spray down.

Then on the HPI Baja forums I just learned today that WD-40 washes out the bearing grease even on sealed bearings!

Does that means I need to tear apart all 11 of my surface cars/trucks I sprayed WD-40 on just to pack some bearing grease in there?

Also I have sprayed WD-40 into my differential boxes to get the water out. Does this mean I need to re-grease those too?

Or can I just keep using WD-40 everytime since WD-40 is somewhat of a lubricant...

 

[ped453]

i use WD-40 on all my rigs, i don't however spray them directly, i spray it on a cloth then i wipe out my axles, links, shafts etc. i found this to be very effective specially when im running my rigs through mud, it sticks a bit less. The only thing i never do i spray WD-40 on my motor it collects dust and crud that affects my motor performance, but i guess it's really your preference."thumbsup"

 

[ecoli]

WD-40 is great at displacing water, but it's also great at getting off grease, glue residue, etc., so probably not ideal for using on bearings. I don't like WD-40 alone as it's a great dust and dirt attractant. When I do use WD-40, I use it for clean-up, clean all the residual WD-40 off, and then re-lube/re-grease as necessary with proper rc compatible lubricants.

 

[sweli]

Too much of it puddling in spots can soften plastics also.

 

[EvoKin]

After I run my Slash in big puddle fill baseball field, I wash out all sand and dirt in my bath tub then spray it down WD40. I have no problems at all.

 

[Rig Rocker]

Its been known to eat up rubber seals like in O-Ring motorcycle chains

 

["N8"]

WD 40 is essentially kerosene and should be treated as such. It is a super poor lubricant. When cleaning materials, you cut a thick oil with a thinner oil. So in terms of spraying down the inside of a differential, I would absolutely re grease the gears after bathing them in WD 40. But in terms of cleaning of your rig, I would just keep from hosing the wheel bearings directly with wd 40.

 

[mpmackenna]

More of the same

WD-40 is fantastic, but it can be terrible if used improperly. Use it to displace water, clean stuff, and loosen something that is rusted or corroded. I never use it to lubricate. I never use it on motors. Anything it touches will require some kind of additional lubrication if that item requires lubrication during regular use. Pick up some spray on silicone grease like Tri-flow or Liquid Wrench for spray lubrication, and a tub of silicone grease for packing diffs and bearing and such. You can pick up both of these items at a auto parts store for like 3$ each. The only thing that confuses me these days is that some guys seem to like lithium grease and some silicone grease... not sure which is better for what?

 

[Creepy Inc.]

For cleaning I just use HPI Blast on the outside of the rig and on the inside of the moter them just use oil for the moter bearings.

 

[hitman46mod]

Type F trans fluid. I used to run sedan class I would tear down clean and soak my bearings in Transmission fluid. I started using that method for all my RC bearings. Overnight seems to do the trick."thumbsup"

 

[jwo]

i only use it for softening tires and cleaning out metal shielded bearings. thats it for me

 

[samuraikid]

its soaks in to everything!!! WD 40 stands for Water Displacement perfected on the 40th try! id be looking in to every spot that used to have grease in it! cuz it probably wont be in there now! lol

 

[squatch71]

I use seafoam. Little behind the ears doesn't hurt either.

 

[wanantrdsc]

its soaks in to everything!!! WD 40 stands for Water Displacement perfected on the 40th try! id be looking in to every spot that used to have grease in it! cuz it probably wont be in there now! lol

Yes, just like the man said "Water displacement #40". Believe it was a military concoction. It has lubricating qualities, but in addition to getting rid of water, it is also a degreaser. Heres the recipe:

• 50%: Stoddard solvent (i.e., mineral spirits -- primarily hexane, somewhat similar to kerosene)
• 25%: Liquefied petroleum gas (presumably as a propellant; carbon dioxide is now used instead to reduce WD-40's considerable flammability)
• 15+%: Mineral oil (light lubricating oil)
• 10-%: Inert ingredients

There are other alternatives, silicone spray works really well. Blocks water, and doesnt tear up lube and grease. Alcohol can also help remove water.

 

[raptorridr660r]

I only use it to clean up my rcs. Like others have said, spray it on a rag first not directly onto the vehicle. It does attract dust to stick though!

 

[smokediver]

Thanks for the info..."thumbsup"