handyandy24 Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 Hi guys, adjusting my chain today and the little pin that stops the locknut undoing snapped and i dont have a replacement. Is this just an extra safety feature or am I ok riding the bike as long as I check the axle tightness b4 every ride until I get a replacement pin????Also i lubed my chain and the stuff that came out the can has made the chain white kind of and this has also got on my tyres a bit, this wont damage it will it? and will it stay white!?Thanks guys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Korben Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 Dunno about the first thing mate.The Chain lube is fine though. Would recommend getting off any part of the tyre that grips the road as its as slippy as anything though. I think the white stuff is because it's slightly waxxy. More waterproof and sticks better.Use it myself. It stays white until it gets dirty. Helps if you give the lube can a good shake before applying. Does not seem so bad then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
handyandy24 Posted August 22, 2008 Author Share Posted August 22, 2008 cheers korb. mite throw a bit of dirt on there its looks like ive tried spraying my wheels white but given up after 5 seconds any1 know owt about the pin?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 modern sportsbikes in the UK (GSX-R's etc) don't use the split pin but the same bike in Canada does!If it is torqued to the correct setting it should sit tight but I'd still be tempted to put something through it temporarily until you get a proper replacement. A skinny nail would do the job, push it through to its head then hammer or bend the pointy end with some pliers so that it wont just fall out, dont bend it too much tho as you will have to bend it straight to remove it later on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Korben Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 Just to let you know mate to get lube of the wheels (Not the tyres) a rag soaked in Parrafin will work a treat!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 a quick tip for lubing your chain:use a paddock stand or center stand if you have one.get a bit of thick card and put it between the tyre and the chain to stop any over spray. Dont forget to do both the left and right hand sides of the chain and rollers. clean the chain beforehand with some parrafin too because if you just coat over the top of the road grit and grime you are effectively making a sticky cutting paste that will help to prematurely wear your chain and sprockets! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
handyandy24 Posted August 22, 2008 Author Share Posted August 22, 2008 I cleaned and lubed the chain. got the rite tightness definately so if it still loosens after an hour on the road its got to be at the end of its life.ill av to use cardboard like u say next time. turps worked a treat tho, altho I put the cloth bak in the kitchen. Dont think my mum is gona be too happy about cooking a curry in a kitchen stinking of turps.woopsthanks guysps.put a nail thru the pin bit. gona go out now see if everything is ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 just go to halfords and buy some split pins or a R clip.they are about a quid.dont dirty your chain on purpose mate, I alwasy lube my chain at the front away from the tyre Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 I cleaned and lubed the chain. got the rite tightness definately so if it still loosens after an hour on the road its got to be at the end of its life.Think you miss understood me, am sure you adjusting your chain to the right tension, what I was on about is the nut that you put the pin through...Its no use just leaning on a spanner and tightening it either as tight as you can (you will crush your wheel bearings) or having it too lose and the wheel will move from side to side.You need to torque it up to the correct setting with a torque wrench. Its very easy to over tighten it or not tighten it enough and it could then vibrate lose (this is why it has the pin)On a bike as powerful as yours you want it as spot on as possible Hope I've not misunderstood what you meant as it is very easy to sound patronising with written text and I have no idea of your experience etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill_on_a_bike Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 I think it is considered good practice to replace split pins everytime you have to take them out. They're only about 5p or something anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
handyandy24 Posted August 22, 2008 Author Share Posted August 22, 2008 I cleaned and lubed the chain. got the rite tightness definately so if it still loosens after an hour on the road its got to be at the end of its life.Think you miss understood me, am sure you adjusting your chain to the right tension, what I was on about is the nut that you put the pin through...Its no use just leaning on a spanner and tightening it either as tight as you can (you will crush your wheel bearings) or having it too lose and the wheel will move from side to side.You need to torque it up to the correct setting with a torque wrench. Its very easy to over tighten it or not tighten it enough and it could then vibrate lose (this is why it has the pin)On a bike as powerful as yours you want it as spot on as possible Hope I've not misunderstood what you meant as it is very easy to sound patronising with written text and I have no idea of your experience etc. I have little maintenance exp. I didnt mean to sound patronising. I understood what you were talking about with the locknut and tightening it. I was just referring to the tightness of my chain randomly there as ive been having problems with it. definately need a torque wrench tho as atm im just doing it by arm power until i feel its tight enuf.dont worry bill the nail is only a temp measure Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollazuki Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 Dog the big nut up good and tight, the spec is usually about 75lb/ft for most bigger bikes. Make sure that as you tighten it, you dont accidentally pull the spindle back away from the chain adjusters.If the split pin is missing, you are 99% gonna be safe without it, but to be sure Id use something until you replace it. Like its been said, a nail, thick wire etc popped thru will do, but best bet is to get a big ass R clip.They are infinitely reuseable and look the dogs danglies.As far as torque is concerned, use a 1/2 inch ratchet driver and pull pretty much as tight as you can.Unless you are either ill, spindly, or built like a muscle bound god, you are in the right ballpark for tightness. That is to tighten the big wheel spindle nut up.Remember, dont adjust the chain tension too tight. Follow the manufacturers spec, but always check again after tightening the spindle up, you should still have about 3/4 inch play on the chain run, NOT stretch as you tug back and forth, but free play, ie slack.Some bikes need more, motoX etc, and wierdly ZX9's have more than you would imagine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flipper Posted August 23, 2008 Share Posted August 23, 2008 Tighten it to the correct torque - don't guess. Get a new split pin or R clip, as they cost pence and are there for a reason. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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