Yes, because it contains low boiling point petroleum solvents. These solvents can get into the pores of the rubber and cause 'denaturing', a process where the rubber swells up and gets softer. bar grips are made of natural rubber and swell up badly when exposed to solvents. WD-40 (or to give it the correct NATO designation, PX-24) is mostly a kerosene fraction with a cationic surfactant, a small amount of a rust preventing film former and a water displacing chemical, usually an alcohol, a diglycol or something such as petroleum suphonate. I know, because I worked in the oil and lubricants industry for 25 years and used to formulate products such as these. I'm intrigued as to why you used WD-40 on the grips, or was it just contamination that caused the problem?
Hi Merlin, Yeah was trying to get the grips on which was a snug fit and thought it may help as it was by my side. It's ended up deforming the rubber. Thanks for the info.
