Can we wash our bikes like pros?

[SadieKate]

Because deforming the metal creates pressure that enhances the lock.

Once the metal has been deformed and thinned in places, it can't create the pressure it's intended to exert.

I will say that I was surprised to find a crush washer in that location. I'm used to seeing them only as seals in pressurized fluid systems (oil or coolant). But by definition, a crush washer is meant for a single use.

And I've never seen a crush washer so thin! Those are practically foil.

It's not a crush washer. It's just a spring steel lock washer. It doesn't stay deformed once tightened and removed.

You don't need to replace it unless you lose it.

I swap cassettes frequently with not a problem. So do the pros race to race.