chain adjustment

[Baz]

Hi guys, just put a new chain and sprocket set on my NC30 but the rear wheel adjustment is at max so the chain is too tight. In the manual it says use a special spanner or a drift and seeing as though I dont have the special spanner I tried using a length of narrow steel bar. I cant get it to move in either direction (I have loosened the pinch bolt) and the manual doesnt say which way to turn it. Any ideas what to try if it is seized and which way I need to turn it to slacken the chain?

[bikemonkey]

You need to get yourself the proper chain adjustment tool.

If with the proper tool it's still too stiff then you'll have to take apart the rear part of the swingarm, it'll probably be full of small stones where the adjuster sits. Clean it out and grease it up, then it should be perfect. But the proper tool is what you need first.

[Baz]

Ok, cheers mate, I will get one ordered, I've seen em quite cheap on ebay. Which way do I need to turn it to slacken the chain?

[bikemonkey]

Depends which way your eccentric hub is

If the axle is sitting at the bottom of the swinger then put the tool on the top of the hub and push the tool down.

If the axle is sitting at the top of the swinger then put the tool underneath the hub and pull the tool up.

[Dynamohum]

You need to get yourself the proper chain adjustment tool.

If with the proper tool it's still too stiff then you'll have to take apart the rear part of the swingarm, it'll probably be full of small stones where the adjuster sits. Clean it out and grease it up, then it should be perfect. But the proper tool is what you need first.

As well as the above ensure the rear caliper hanger is free also that can seize onto the adjuster .

[Jac-al]

Hi,

Im confused with ths chain adjustment

Haynes says freeplay must be between 15 and 25mm

My chain has only 20mm then makes contact with the swingarm

SO whats wrong?

[speedy231278]

Nothing. It is a little odd but I find the same myself. If the chain is slack enough that you can very easily touch the arm with it, it needs adjusting. If it needs a reasonable push, then it is probably OK. Personally, I don't measure, I go by feel. if it feels really loose, then it is. If you want to start from scratch, find the tightest spot and adjust that to 15mm. I'd then loosen it a little bit. Don't go overboard on the tightness or you will destroy the rear sprocket. I have done that, many years ago. However, don't go too loose either. I've also broken a chain because I was too idle to adjust it for too long, and the rivet link failed as a result. As long as it isn't too easy to push it to the arm, I would leave it be. If you can get several links to touch at once, it is probably time to adjust. Also, don't forget that even though the chain is hanging by it's own weight, you can probably heave on it and pull it down a tiny bit, and you need to add that to the measurement.

[Neosophist]

Hi,

Im confused with ths chain adjustment

Haynes says freeplay must be between 15 and 25mm

My chain has only 20mm then makes contact with the swingarm

SO whats wrong?

Your probably measuring it wrong.

How are you taking your measurement and where from?

[speedy231278]

Aren't you supposed to measure it exactly half way between the centre of the front and rear sprockets? I tend to agree with the suggestion there's not 25mm of clearance between the chain and swingarm at that point. Perhaps it depends on where the eccentric adjuster is on it's travel? or, is it possible that it has been adjusted 180 degrees out of position?

[Cammo]

Aren't you supposed to measure it exactly half way between the centre of the front and rear sprockets? I tend to agree with the suggestion there's not 25mm of clearance between the chain and swingarm at that point.

The measurement taken is not the distance of slack in one direction, it's the total up and down movement (like in pic below).

The specification for slack is with the rider's weight on the bike also.