How To Clean Rear Cassette On Bike?

One of the most important roles to play for easy changing gear is conducted by the cassette of your bike. And so, this part stays exposed to a number of elements including oil, dust, mud, and weather.

So, it’s obvious for it to get dirty after constant use. And if you don’t care enough to clean it, then the part won’t care enough to last longer too.

So, let’s talk about how to clean rear cassette on the bike the right way today.

This is How to Clean Rear Cassette on Bike.

You need to take the cassette out, keep in mind the order of cogs as well as a spacer, soak the whole thing in a degreaser to scrub it nicely. Then finish cleaning by rinsing it and putting the part back. In case of not removing the wheel, you can use a rag with a degreaser to wipe the cassette. And that’s how to clean rear cassette on bike.

Keep on mind that gunk getting collected here often happens because it is located on the rear. And it’s the prime location for water and grime to reach. Especially during the winter months. There’s a good chance of wracking the drivetrain havoc.

Let’s find in-depth how to clean bike cassette. 

Take The Cassette Out.

You have to get the rear wheel as well as the skewer out to start the process. Then right around the middle cogs on cassata, wrap chain whip carefully. Bring the lock ring tool and put it right on the cassette’s center.

Make sure you hold it steady using a wrench. Then try pushing the chain whip downwards. At the same time, you have to hold the lock ring in place. And basically, that way you need to unscrew the cassette so that it can come out of the wheel freehub.

Use a Zip Tie For Banding.

Between each cog of the cassette, there will be specific spacers. And you must not lose the track of the positions of these spacers. Other it will be a huge problem for you to put the cassette back in its place. And so, one thing that really helps that I want you to use is a zip tie.

Basically, you have to band all the cogs as well as spacers with it. Right after you remove these from the wheel.

Once the cassette is off and tied, place it in a bowl with a generous amount of degreaser.

Soak The Cassette.

Now you should have the cassette off and tied well. Get a bowl with a good amount of degreaser poured in it. Let the cassette soak in it for a few minutes. You can use any old toothbrush for giving each cog of cassette a good scrub.

Don’t forget to wipe the wheel residing freehub as well. You can literally use any old rag for this. Once you notice the entire cassette looks clean enough, you can stop scrubbing. Use an old towel to gently wipe the cogs and you are done.

Put The Cassette Back.

Now that you have the cassette clean, it’s time to put it back to place. Of course, on the rear wheel’s freehub that is.

Make sure the hugest cog goes first. It might take a little bit of time for sliding the cog on the freehub’s body the right way. But you shall not avoid working in order to get all the cogs and spacers back.

Once those are sorted, make sure to put the look ring back on the caseate center. Use your hand for screwing. Further tightening would be necessary at some point. Then you can use a wrench. And that’s it!

If You Want to Clean Bike Cassette Without Removing the Wheel.

• Choose a cleaning tool according to your preference for the job. You want to deeply soak it in the degreased for a good amount of time. But also, not too much. We just want the grime to break up with using it.
• Bring the wheels down flat and let the cassette face upwards. You can use a shop apron and have the wheels on your lap as well. It’ll not be too uncomfortable as this won’t take much longer.
• Now with the soaked tool (probably a rag), you want to start from the biggest sprocket. And work towards the hub from there. The main method here is basically working with a freehub. And pulling the rag left. So that it can take all the grim. With the right direction movement, you should have a new cassette section to clean.
• Keep going this way for cleaning each sprocket one by one. And once you are done sparkling the whole cassette, that’s it!
• Consider replacing the wheel if it’s too worn out, give some lubrication to the chain and you are good to go.

Frequently Asked Question

1. Can I use WD40 to clean bike cassette?

Yes, you can! In fact, with it you would be able to target stubborn stains once you are done with the cleaning process, just don’t forget to rinse each sprocket with plenty of water and later dry them properly by using a clean rag.

2. Can you put degreaser on cassette?

Yes, you can directly put the degreaser on the cassette in large quantities. Just a little bit in a tool for example a clean rug to wipe it shall be enough as well. And soaking will help in treating too old cassettes better.

3. Do you need to lube a bike cassette?

Actually, the cogs in the cassette don’t need lubrication in some cases. It might leave a sticky layer if you don’t rinse the lube properly. And that would be a good reason for dirt accumulating on it.

So even if you have the best bicycle chain lube, use it only if absolutely necessary and make sure to rise it off properly as well.

How to clean bike gears with degreaser?

You want to use degreases on derailleurs, chaise, cassette, and chain. Rinsing the frame and cleaning brake pads along with rims are also necessary cleaning steps. Don’t forget to dry everything as well.

Wrapping Up

And that’s how to clean rear cassette on bike. It’s easy enough, right? Hopefully, you would agree. Don’t keep such simple tasks for later and just give your cassette a good cleaning today. It just keeps the bike in a good condition, helps with a better ride, and basically makes all the gears last longer.