To find out whether your chain is too long take a look at it from the side with your eyes being level with the chain. A loose chain will sag close to or below the chainstays as the chain hangs between the rear cogs and chainring. The chain might skip as you pedal, or even drop off the gears.
How often should you check chain slack?
We strongly advise checking your chain tension every 2 or 3 times you refuel, or every 500 miles, whichever comes first. As your chain gets older, you’ll notice that it gets looser, quicker.
The correct amount is usually printed on the swing arm above the chain and can be measured with a tape measure by placing the tape against the arm and reading the distance between the two. Bear in mind that, while elevated on the stand, there is no weight on your bike’s rear end.
How do I know if my chain needs tightening?
Well, there are a few tell-tale signs that your chain tension isn’t set correctly, such as: A ‘wurring’ sound as you accelerate. Knocking between gear changes. The chain looking under strain when you sit on the bike.
How do you know if a chain is loose? – Related Questions
How tight should my chain be?
Check your chain out. It should be tight enough that it only allows you to move it up and down about one inch. If it is sagging or much looser than that, you need to tighten that chain up. Chains often loosen when a bike does not have a derailleur.
How do you check bike chain tension?
When should I tighten my bike chain?
If the chain on your single speed or hub gear bike keeps falling off or if it feels loose then it may need to be tightened. The chain gets loose over time because it wears and stretches. In this guide we explain how to tighten bike chain correctly. The bike chain can only be tightened if it doesn’t have the derailleur.
How do I know if my motorcycle chain is too loose?
The major symptoms of a loose chain include chain teeth skipping over the sprockets, uneven transmission of power to the wheel leading to jerky wheel movements, chain lash and the chain slapping the swindle arm, and in the final case, chain coming off the sprocket.
What happens if chain too tight?
With a chain being too tight, that causes tightness and stress on the rear suspension. This can be quite uncomfortable for the rider. The chain itself will also become worn out much more quickly. The stress between each link may become too much and, in extreme cases, may break while you’re out for a ride.
What happens if your motorcycle chain is too loose?
Too tight, and the tension will restrict your power and force, effectively hindering your motion (and safety). Too loose, though, and you risk a chain jumping off a sprocket; a slapping chain has the potential to damage moto-parts (and rider-parts).
How tight should my chain be on my motorcycle?
Push up on the bottom of the chain and note the distance between the full-slack (lower) position and the no-slack (upper) position on the bottom . 1.2–1.6 inches (30–40 mm) is typical for streetbikes, while dirt bikes may need 1.4–2.0 inches (35–50 mm) of slack.
How much slack should be in motorcycle chain?
Small adjustments of a quarter turn (or less if your chain is only slightly loose) are the safest bet. Measure the slack after every change. When the chain is within factory specifications (usually around 1.2–1.5 inches), tighten the axle nut to keep it from slipping.
Does loose chain cause vibration?
Re: Chain/sprocket wear causing excessive vibrations? Chain getting tight then loose then tight then loose means time for new chain and sprockets. Excessive noise or vibrations indicate time for new chain and sprockets. Things like this indicate time to replace the chain and sprockets.
What causes chain slack?
A motorcycle chain that keeps getting loose is usually caused by the rear axle or chain tensioning bolts not being tight enough. It can also be cause by a new chain not being worn in enough, worn down sprocket teeth, having too tight of a tension, or having the wrong size of chain installed.
What would a loose drive chain cause?
Explanation: A motorcycle chain will stretch as it wears. It may need frequent checking and adjustment to keep the tension correct. In extreme cases, a loose chain can jump off the sprocket and become wedged in the rear wheel. This could cause serious loss of control and result in a crash.
Why does my chain keep getting loose?
Chains become loose for a variety of reasons. One of the most common reasons is a new chain on an old bike. Older bikes obviously have older and more worn-down components. Placing a new chain on these worn-down parts can cause the chain to jump and slip around as you ride.
How do you fix a loose chain?
Why is my chainsaw chain not tightening?
Chain Setting: Incorrect setting between the bar and the chain can make it difficult for the chain to tighten. Temperature Variation: Temperatures changes can affect the chain dimensions causing it to loosen or tighten. Mechanical Problem: Mechanical defects can affect the chain’s placement on the bar.
How long should bike chain last?
Replacing your chain regularly can prolong the life of your drivetrain. Most mechanics agree that you should replace your chain about every 2,000 to 3,000 miles, depending on your riding style.
