Adjusting Chain Tension - Sticking Point

[BennyC]

I tried to adjust the tension on my chain yesterday as it was quite slack. I realised that my adjuster blocks did have a marker in the middle which was a bonus! (Had thought they didn't as they are differen either side)

However just when I thought I had it right I would tighten it all up give the rear wheel a spin and find that there was a spot where the chain tension would increase quite tight and stop the rear wheel spinning freely. If I kept turning the wheel past this point the tension would ease and the chain relax to a healthy level of movement. What could be causing this?

I ended up leaving it still fairly slack as I didn't want to put unnecessary tension on the chain.

Thanks,

BennyC

 

[BennyC]

I would say the chain is toast. you dont say how old it is, are the sprockets hooked in any way and have you done anywork on the sprockets recently.

bullit

Bought the bike 2 months ago, so it was 'serviced' very poorly, by the dealer I bought from.

The rear sprocket doesn't look like it's done very many miles, can't say about the front one as everything was covered in crap when I bought it.

I was thinking that it's not the aligntment as the tension should stay the same the whole way around.

Am I right in that chain & sprockets should be changed together?

Bike is a 05 ZX6R on just over 21,000 miles.

 

[BennyC]

Thanks,

Looks like chain & sprockets is about £100ish. There's a local garage to me that come highly recommended that I might ask to have a look at it.

 

[BennyC]

I meant, diagnose what they think the problem is if I can't figure it myself.

I'm sure I can change chain and sprockets

 

[BennyC]

I checked the bearings this morning in the rear wheel. It spins freely when the chain is lifted off the sprocket. I replaced the chain on the sprocket, obviously in a different place. The tight spot was still evident but not as bad. Though for peace of mind I'll probably replace them due to the sheer state they were in when I bought the bike, absolutely filthy.

There's no hooking etc, just a neglected chain it would seem.

 

[BennyC]

A local recommended garage quoted me £160 for a C&S kit (x-ring) chain. Sourced the same thing on line for £115 including VAT & delivery. Quoted a further £45 for fitting, which is reasonable I guess if you weren't up for the task yourself.

I've a friend who's a mechanic I'm getting to check it is my C&S that need replacing which I'll chuck £20 for helping.

£200 for chain & sprockets made me

 

[BennyC]

I popped over to a friends yesterday to get him to give his opinion on my chain & sprockets. He's a car mechanic but does have two bikes himself though prefers to let a bike mechanic maintain them so he can just enjoy riding them.

He reckons it's still the original chain and whilst there are no signs of hooking the sprockets teeth do look quite open and that fresh sprockets and chain wouldn't do any harm. So I'll speak to a chap he recommended and see what the damage is as I'd prefer to get it done properly and for the sake of £40/50 I'll know it's right.

I did however successfully complete an oil change today & replaced the filter too. I struggled to get the old one off. I tried with my gloves on, gloves off, belt as a make-shift wrench and ended up picking the front end of the bike up! I had a monkey wrench out the back which just ended up denting and crushing it so I ended up using the method of a screw driver and a hammer, except with a chisel. It was on very very tight.

Luckily the replacement has a nut fixed on the top so should be much easier to take off.

Supposedly serviced 500 miles ago the oil tells a different story..

I appear to have over filled it slightly as the bike is upright but isn't level whilst on the Abba stand, I was scratching my head as all 4 litres went in. Dry capacity was 4.0L, Oil change only 3.4L and Filter replaced was 3.6L.

Am off in to town anyway this afternoon so will leave the bike at home until I have removed the excess via syringe .