Front Sprocket Won't Budge

[ludacris]

So tried to change my sprockets and chain today...and let's just say there were some echoes of profanity coming from the garage. Anywhoo the new chain and rear sprocket is on but the front sprocket was a tight bitch so had to leave it on.

Had my mum step on the rear brake and tried a standard ratchet and breaker bar with no luck and even with full pressure on the brake lever, the rear wheel would still turn slightly. I don't have a torque or impact wrench and I don't have the funds to buy one at the mo so just wondering what you guys would suggest I try? I honestly think the sprocket nut has been previously overtightened.

[CMSMJ1]

They are fecking tight.

Stick it in 6th, wege some wood in the wheel/swinger and still get your mam on the brakes!!

6 pointed socket, long breaker bar and lots of WD40.

Or...just get a garage to do it.

Or..get an impact gun (air/electric) and it will shock off no worries.

[Malc]

You don't need a torque wrench to UNDO nuts and bolts - they're not for that.

Give it a good spray with something like WD40, leave it overnight then get a gas torch on the bolthead for a couple minutes, then try again with your ma on the brake pedal, put it in gear also. Try sharp jerking motions when pulling on it too.

Its probably a combination of overtightening and threadlock or corrosion which has made it so tight.

[ludacris]

thanks for the reply guys...nice useful tips. yeh I'm going to invest in an impact wrench when the funds build up

not something id like to pay a garage to do since I've done everything else myself. will update with how I get on with the suggestions

[porndoguk]

penetrating fluid/oil (WD40/GT85) & blowtorch, are your friend here,

soak the sprocket for a day, keep applying it, then heat it up 24hrs later, and use a 24" breaker bar and you shouldnt struggle. for long, put some weight on the bike, back brake on, in 6th gear. hold front brake into for extra suport

[Drunkn Munky]

This is why we all need compressors in our garages, before i had one i seem to remember sitting on the bike with rear brake on then going at it with a beefy breaker bar.

[hardnutdvd]

Doesn't it knacker the torque wrench if you use it to undo nuts and bolts.. i have read somewhere that it ruins the claibration on it

[Hadies]

Doesn't it knacker the torque wrench if you use it to undo nuts and bolts.. i have read somewhere that it ruins the claibration on it

Yeah it does.
I had a bit of bother with my front sprocket too. I actually managed to split a socket trying to loosen it. A lot of WD40, a gentle tap with a hammer and a 12" breaker got mine off.

[ludacris]

yeh I'm soaking it with WD40 atm and hopefully that and some gentle taps and a bit of heat will sort it...I imagine the breaker bar will have some more fun tomorrow.

is 6th gear the better option? i wasn't sure but i had it in 1st while noticing that it would still turn the rear wheel..

props to my mum. didn't want to give up when I had had enough. such a trooper! lol

[porndoguk]

yeh I'm soaking it with WD40 atm and hopefully that and some gentle taps and a bit of heat will sort it...I imagine the breaker bar will have some more fun tomorrow.

is 6th gear the better option? i wasn't sure but i had it in 1st while noticing that it would still turn the rear wheel..

props to my mum. didn't want to give up when I had had enough. such a trooper! lol

my mums the same i often drag her round mine for help, as the mrs is always to busy to help but my old girl will get stuck in. 6th gear offers more resistance when trying to undo.