Drive Chain Tightening - My Way

astroscope · Spanner Monkey Joined: 11 Jul 2008 Karma :

I always told that you should tighten the chain by counting the number of turns and applying the same turns on the other side.

I always find that to be a little confusing when doing it so I just count the number of threads on one side of the screw and do the same on the other.

Anyone else does it differently?

Cheers
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Barry_M2 · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Sep 2004 Karma :

Well, your first picture is of the rear brake adjuster, not chain adjuster! You do know that don't you? Thumbs Up

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Wafer_Thin_Ham · Super Spammer Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Karma :

Why not just measure both sides with a steel ruler. Confused

If you're counting turns then you assume it was straight to start with, which isn't always the case.
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cb1rocket · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Jan 2010 Karma :

there are markers on the chain adjusters you know.................. Very Happy

Wafer_Thin_Ham · Super Spammer Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Karma :

cb1rocket · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Jan 2010 Karma :

..... · Quote Me Happy Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Karma :

..... · Quote Me Happy Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Karma :

Also, in answer to the OP, I do it differently on the XT because I've got the snail cam type adjusters on the XT which I find a much better way of doing it than the fiddly bolt type.

Wafer_Thin_Ham · Super Spammer Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Karma :

..... · Quote Me Happy Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Karma :

I wish I was a good enough rider to be able to tell the difference Laughing

Wafer_Thin_Ham · Super Spammer Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Karma :

cb1rocket · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Jan 2010 Karma :

has the OP gone "oh shit" ?!

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Paxovasa · World Chat Champion Joined: 25 Apr 2010 Karma :

flumpy7 · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 31 May 2008 Karma :

The real question is.....can u guess what bike it is from the pics available?
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flumpy7 · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 31 May 2008 Karma :

Ohhhh.....crap....just saw his sig. Sure that wasnt there the first time looked!
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flumpy7 · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 31 May 2008 Karma :

Howling TerrorOutOfOffice · Super Spammer Joined: 05 Dec 2008 Karma :

The marks on the adjusters are out on one of my bikes.

I found this out as whenever i rode no-hands it would pull slightly to one side.
Haven't got a straight edge so used the string method.
https://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m174/howlingterror_2006/WA016.jpg
https://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m174/howlingterror_2006/WA011-1.jpg

And made a note of the difference.

https://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m174/howlingterror_2006/WA003.jpg
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cb1rocket · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Jan 2010 Karma :

plank of wood is another option for checking alignment

astroscope · Spanner Monkey Joined: 11 Jul 2008 Karma :

cb1rocket · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Jan 2010 Karma :

Willson · Traffic Copper Joined: 26 Jun 2010 Karma :

Personally when I've adjusted and checked it it I tighten everything up, leave the bike on the centre stand, fire it up, whack it in gear, and take a step back to see if it looks like it's on the piss.

Worked every time so far Thumbs Up

HTH

Willson

Disclaimer: Remember to not fiddle around the chain while the engine is moving it if you like your fingers.
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astroscope · Spanner Monkey Joined: 11 Jul 2008 Karma :

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

As long as you start with the wheel straight (using a piece of string or a couple of long straight bars), count the number of flats on the adjusters. It is easy. Just count a couple at a time on each side.

Adjusters on the swinging arm are quite likely to be inaccurate. Would expect measuring the adjuster to be even less accurate unless you measure between the swinging arm spindle and the wheel spindle.

All the best

Keith
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