Author Topic: Tight spot in chain (Read 6182 times)

interfuse · « **on:** April 18, 2005, 11:27:54 AM »

It seems my chain has developed a tight spot. If I adjust the chain at the tightest spot to be the lowest allowable spec the loosest spot is little bit loser then the maximum. I spent half the day yesterday trying to adjust it out... with no luck.

Is it possible the sprockets are out of alignment? Could it be a binding link?

Is there anyway to help fix it or is it time for a new chain?.

PeteSC · « **Reply #1 on:** April 18, 2005, 11:59:45 AM »

IS the chain binding and kinking in one spot, or just tight?

interfuse · « **Reply #2 on:** April 18, 2005, 12:12:06 PM »

One spot on the chain is tight and the rest of it is loose...

One link in the chain is stiff. I've try to lubricate it as best as possible with the chain still on the bike. It did loosen up a fair bit, but the chain still has the tight spot. Could the stiff link cause the tight spot in the chain?

Also when walking the bike in a straight line I can hear a sound coming from the front sprocket at intervals.

I've checked the teeth on all the sprockets and they all look good.

PeteSC · « **Reply #3 on:** April 18, 2005, 01:09:29 PM »

Probably the easiest thing to start with it to clean that spot of the chain really well, using whatever you normally use.....(Kerosene, WD40,etc)
Then start working that section of the chain sideways, and up/down, maybe using more cleaner. I'd use some safe solvent type stuff....WD40......with the hopes of washing out whatever may be binding it up.
(Grab with your hand....you're attempting to dislodge or grind up anything in the links)
You may be able to work loosen some dirt or sand, or rust, if that's the problem.
If you can't get that section of chain free, and running well........I'm out of suggestions.

Usually this works with even worn chains, for a while.....

Red01 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 18, 2005, 06:50:00 PM »

If after that, you still have a stiff link, adjust the chain to be in-spec at the tightest spot. If the loosest spot is out-of-spec, so be it. It's ALWAYS better to have a chain too loose than too tight.

dsartwell1 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 18, 2005, 07:00:32 PM »

I had that on my 600 at about 10k. You're probably close to needing a new chain.

terrebandit · « **Reply #6 on:** April 18, 2005, 07:52:05 PM »

Yeah, its nothing you did. Mine has about 16K on it now and I am missing 18 O-rings and have at least one tight spot. I take good care of my chains too (clean and lube regular like). I'm going to drive it until its completely toast... probably 3-4 K more and it will be put out to pasture.

Sometimes chains can have a defect in them that creates the tight spot. All it takes is a little shortage of lube or a compromised o-ring to make a link croak. Add a little water, a little rust develops, you don't notice it, o-ring leaves the premises, chain gets hot, lube breaks down, friction takes its toll, tight spot develops...... you know the story.

I got 22K out of my last bandit 1200 chain and that was waaaay good life for a stock chain. What I never thought of was my counter sprocket, which after removing the chain, looked like some kind of throwing/pointed disk you would see in a kung fu movie. Dangerous!!!

aaaaasoooooo grasshopper

interfuse · « **Reply #7 on:** April 19, 2005, 12:47:21 AM »

Thanks for the info. I'll do my best to try to work out the kink and I'll start thinking on a new chain and sprockets.

smooth operator · « **Reply #8 on:** April 19, 2005, 07:43:49 AM »

And while your trying to work out that tight spot,you may as well order a new chain. Anwhile your ordering your new chain you better take a good look at those sprokets,and maybe order those too.

B12Teuton · « **Reply #9 on:** April 20, 2005, 02:08:01 PM »

Time for a new chain.
I would bet that several of the o-rings have failed, causing that part of the chain to be loose.

Slider · « **Reply #10 on:** April 24, 2005, 01:52:26 AM »

Quote from: "interfuse"

It seems my chain has developed a tight spot. If I adjust the chain at the tightest spot to be the lowest allowable spec the loosest spot is little bit loser then the maximum. I spent half the day yesterday trying to adjust it out... with no luck.

Is it possible the sprockets are out of alignment? Could it be a binding link?

Is there anyway to help fix it or is it time for a new chain?.

Just wunderin what kind of lube you use. Is it chain wax? The dealer here seems to think that it makes the chain look great but is not as good. He says that when they pull some of these chains apart they have rust inside because the wax did not penetrate enough. Rust will kink a chain first rate.
Mike: (hope I have this quote method figured out, this time)

interfuse · « **Reply #11 on:** April 24, 2005, 04:25:00 PM »

FYI the quote didn't work. (the trick is to hit preview to see if the quote worked, before you hit submit)

I don't use chain wax. I usually use spray lube. But I'm not sure how many miles are on this chain or how it was cared for before I got it. So it could be caused by just about anything. I'll make sure I take care of my new chain.

DavesBandito · « **Reply #12 on:** April 26, 2005, 10:44:55 PM »

Been there at about 10K miles.

Order up at least a new chain [go for sprokets if $$$ permit]

Don't get freaked like I did when I put the new chain along side the old one ...metal stretches after use, just push the wheel all the way forward.