8S /9S Bicycle Rear Derailleur

How do I clean my Bicycle Rear Derailleur to ensure it works properly and lasts longer?

Cleaning your Bicycle Rear Derailleur is an important step to ensure it works properly and extends its lifespan. Here are the detailed steps for cleaning your rear derailleur:
1. Prepare tools and materials:
Car wash sponge or soft brush
Bike-specific cleaner or mild soapy water
clear water
Lint-free cloth or paper towel
Chain cleaner (optional)
Chain lube (use after cleaning)
2. Clean the entire vehicle:
Use a car wash sponge or soft brush dipped in bicycle-specific cleaner or soapy water to perform a preliminary cleaning of the entire bicycle to remove surface dirt and dust.
3. Focus on cleaning the rear derailleur:
Move the rear derailleur to the largest cassette to better clean the pulley and chain.
Use a sponge or soft brush dipped in detergent and gently scrub the pulley, connecting rod and bearing portion of the rear derailleur to remove accumulated oil and chain debris.
Be careful not to use too strong a cleaner or a high-pressure water gun to avoid damaging the rear derailleur parts or bearings.
4. Clean the chain:
If the chain is very dirty, you can use chain cleaner or soapy water to clean it. Spray chain cleaner on the chain, or wipe the chain with a sponge dipped in soapy water.
Use an old toothbrush or a special chain brush to scrub in the direction of the chain to remove oil and impurities from the chain.
5. Rinse and wipe:
Rinse the rear derailleur and chain with clean water, making sure all detergent and dirt is rinsed away.
Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to wipe any moisture from the rear derailleur and chain, making sure they are completely dry.
6. Lubricate the chain and rear derailleur:
After cleaning and drying, apply an appropriate amount of chain lube to the chain and rear derailleur pulley bearings. This helps reduce friction and wear, increasing the life of the rear derailleur.
7. Check and adjust:
After cleaning and lubricating, check the condition of the rear derailleur to make sure the pulley rotates freely and that the chain is not loose or excessively worn.
If necessary, adjust the tension of the shifting cable to ensure the rear derailleur responds accurately and quickly to shifting operations.
Please note that regular cleaning of your Bicycle Rear Derailleur is key to keeping it working properly and extending its lifespan. Depending on the riding environment and frequency, it is recommended to perform thorough cleaning and maintenance every once in a while. At the same time, follow the manufacturer's maintenance recommendations and adjust the maintenance cycle according to the actual situation.