[robocop]

I just replaced the factory original chain and sprockets at 23,500 miles then I rode to Deadhorse Prudhoe Bay.

Arriving back down to Fairbanks (3800 miles) I adjusted and lubed my chain and noticed that it had a tight spot in it. So it is tighter in one place than the rest of the chain. Any ideas on what causes this? It seemed to be OK when installed it. I had no problems getting back home, have cleaned it with kerosene to get the Dalton Hiway muck off of it and re-lubed it. I am back home with 7000 miles on it and it has a pronounced tight spot when checked all of the way around.

I also notice that the rear sprocket seems to ride on the left side of the rollers looking at it from the rear?

The tight loose condition is why I replaced the chain to begin with?

I am stumped.

 

[Scott E. Bonds]

I would check two things. Both require some measuring skills.

First - verify the rear sprocket mounting holes in the wheel hub are centered on the wheel. If the mounting holes for the sprocket were drilled wrong the chain tension will change as the wheel rotates. I do this by measuring each bolt hole for the sprocket to the hub center. They should all be approximately equal.

Second - your rear wheel sounds like it is mounted crooked if the chain is not running straight and true. Do not trust the swing arm marks unless you verify they are correct by measuring..mine are, many are not. I use a 0.001 inch least count micrometer to make these types of measurements.

P.S. Its good policy to adjust tension at the tight spot. To find the tight spot push up on the lower run of chain...at the half way point, and have somebody slowly rotate the wheel for you while you let the chain slide across your hand. You will feel the chain tighten easily this way, but will get greasy hands doing it.

 

[greywolf]

You may have worn rubber cushion blocks in the rear sprocket carrier. Hold the rear sprocket at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock and see if you can wiggle it using opposing forces forward and back.

DL1000 only - Rear Sprocket Carrier Play
and a fix at
Rick's DL1000 Rear Wheel Spacer Exchange Program

 

[EC90T]

How many times did you clean/lube it while on your trip? Those kind of road conditions can really do a number on a chain in short order.

 

[Scott E. Bonds]

Dam Suzuki, Thanks GW.

I am going to recheck mine again tonight. When I put the wheel back on last time I looked at the chain and was sure it was centered on the sprocket and running true. Mine is an 07, now you have me doubting my declining vision.

I tightened my cush rubbers up with bicycle inner tubes. Worked fine other than having to replace the inner tubes every time I R&R the rear wheel.

 

[robocop]

Abnormal chain

Thanks for the help!

I did notice some play with all nuts tightened in the cush drive as I adjusted the chain in the rain in a parking lot on the way south - I never noticed any before.

I figured to solve this I would have to determine correct wheel alignment some way other than the frame marks - Cycle world ran several tech tips on ways to do this I will need to go back and research it. Something about string.

I also noticed that the alignment block on the axle nut side does not fit tight on the axle - there is some play so that could influence the way it lines up with the marks on the frame. I don't remember this being there before but wasn't looking for it either. Is the axle supposed to fit tight in this alignment block?

Why do these things come up in the summer when I should be riding?

 

[robocop]

GrayWing's links

Just did a quick read through on the links Graywing sent and it is very interesting!!