Chain Adjustment

[Zod]

So I've adjusted the chain yesterday after getting new adjusting screws/bolts because the old ones were a tad worn away, old and eh a bit bent.

So I put the new ones in and adjusted the chain, once I had done so I had went up the road on the bike to test it out and wasn't at all happy with the result. Now the chain itself isn't really tight as I had adjusted it according to what the manual tells me to do and as I had went out on the bike to test it out all I could hear was something rubbing or grinding against something.

So I stick the bike up on center stand when I get back home and put it in neutral and spin the wheel a few times, at first it looked to be spinning freely until I noticed that it was stopping slightly while it was spinning.

I'm thinking its to do with the rear brake? Am I right? Just wanted to know first before I run off and meddle with it.

[Grumpy Old Git]

To adjust the chain, hold the bike upright and lean over the seat, putting as much of your weight on the bike that you can, try and pull the centre of the chain upwards - It should move around 1/4 inch (any less and it is too tight). If there is excessive movement, it is too loose. Put bike on centre stand, adjust, check wheel is still central to the rear frame. then test agian. Repeat until chain is correct tension.

'Rubbing noise' (and wheel hessitating when spun) could be worn chain; worn sprockets; chain too tight; chiain too loose; knackered bearings; warped disk; binding brakes.

[GazW]

Drum or disc brakes?

Is your wheel correctly aligned? Don't rely on the adjusters http://www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,148.0.html

Have you checked your wheel bearings?

Did you adjust your chain at the tightest point?

If you suspect binding brakes and its a drum you should be able to back off the adjustment on the solid arm linking your pedal to the drum.

If its a caliper you'll need a seal set and you'll have to strip and rebuild.

[Zod]

Sorry for the late reply, the cause was a worn chain. Had bought a new chain the other day and took the old one off, put the new one on and tested and it works like a charm!

[Grumpy Old Git]

Sorry for the late reply, the cause was a worn chain. Had bought a new chain the other day and took the old one off, put the new one on and tested and it works like a charm!

 

Worn chain normally indicates worn sprockets too - I'd check before the new chain gets knackered!

[megawatt]

What he said!!! If you put a new chain on worn steel sprockets, it will wear prematurely. Should have bought a C&S kit, sprockets much cheaper this way.

[Zod]

Indeed, well, new sprockets are on now

[pointblank0]

Good work mate. Did you have any difficulties?

[Zod]

Was a little bit hard but had changed the sprockets on a bike before so I knew what to do and what to expect etc.