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Chain Tension, couple Questions please.

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Alex_B
Brolly Dolly



Joined: 15 Jul 2011
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PostPosted: 14:38 - 24 Sep 2011    Post subject: Chain Tension, couple Questions please. Reply with quote
Hey gents.

Question 1.

When adjusting the Chain and looking for that right amount of tension are the specs with the bike loaded? I mean, if it's on the center stand it's going to be pretty slack right?

So if my Haynes recommends 30mm or whatever is it talking about the bike at rest on the side stand or with someone on it?

I think that's what I mean. Wink

Question 2.

What's the easiest way to determine correct wheel alignment after above job is done and dusted please?
I have actually adjusted the chain and the manual mentions the marks "matching" but tbh I can't see em. Laughing

So, there is the string method, way to much hassle to read through though.

Just a quick and dirty way would be great, would a tape measure from the rear axle to the same fixed point on each side of the bike be fine?

Old news to you guys that have done this shit for years but for me it's all new so please bear with me. Thumbs Up

Thanks all.
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Kickstart
The Oracle



Joined: 04 Feb 2002
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PostPosted: 15:15 - 24 Sep 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote
Hi

Normally the chain tension is without any load on it.

The marks on the swinging arm are not that useful, even if you can see them. Too often inaccurate. Get it right using a couple of straight bars (or using string) and after that just make sure you turn the chain adjusters the same number of flats to keep it straight.

All the best

Keith
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Alex_B
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Joined: 15 Jul 2011
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PostPosted: 16:05 - 24 Sep 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote
Kickstart wrote:
Hi

Normally the chain tension is without any load on it.

The marks on the swinging arm are not that useful, even if you can see them. Too often inaccurate. Get it right using a couple of straight bars (or using string) and after that just make sure you turn the chain adjusters the same number of flats to keep it straight.

All the best

Keith


Thanks Keith.

Really, it seems a bit tight when loaded. I worry that can't be right. Forgive me if I'm in the wrong here.

Loaded, on the side stand I have it about right but unloaded it's pretty much to slack.

So, lets get this 100% if we can.

When riding, the chain is loaded (duh??) so I want my 1 to 1/4" SLACK when I'm sitting on it?

Sorry mate, lil bit worse for wear as I had a tough day and have lessened that with copious amounts of Vodka Laughing

Thanks for taking the time mate Smile
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el_oso
World Chat Champion



Joined: 17 May 2008
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PostPosted: 16:36 - 24 Sep 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote
don't adjust your chain after you had the vodka
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Alex_B
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Joined: 15 Jul 2011
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PostPosted: 17:34 - 24 Sep 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote
the_godfather wrote:
don't adjust your chain after you had the vodka
No, no. This was before Laughing

I think I have it but I want to be sure with the wheel alignment more than anything now Laughing
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whitedevil
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Joined: 28 Nov 2010
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PostPosted: 17:42 - 24 Sep 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBxK-OQ--fg
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Kickstart
The Oracle



Joined: 04 Feb 2002
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PostPosted: 22:26 - 24 Sep 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote
Alex_B wrote:

Loaded, on the side stand I have it about right but unloaded it's pretty much to slack.


As long as there is a bit of slack then it should be OK. The slack is there to allow the suspension to move. With the rear wheel spindle, swinging arm spindle and gearbox output shaft in line the chain will be at its tightest, and the slack should be enough that the chain can cope with this without being stressed. The recommended slack should be enough when not loaded so that it can compress. Hence why the amount varies between bikes, as the length of the swinging arm and distance from the spindle to the gearbox sprocket varies (and so the amount by which the chain gets tighter).

All the best

Keith
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Old Thread Alert!

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