Rear wheel alignment

My chain began clunking and I noticed that my rear wheel is crooked so I went to adjust it (it's a 92 and has a locknut adjustment deal on the back to adjust the alignment) and I can't seem to get it right. Is there a better way to do it? The index marks will not work because there are washers on one side and none on the other.

I thought the wheel needed to go back on the right but I can't get it to budge. Reasons I think the right needs to go back: The chain seems to be closer to the outside of the sprocket than on the inside and there are more threads remaining to loosen on the right side adjusting screw than on the left. The chain is VERY tight now, probably about a quarter inch of play one direction (so a half inch total play). I'm stumped! I have a 200 mile trip I MUST make tomorrow and need to get it done by then.

Thanks in advance for the help. I'll put pics up if that explanation isn't good enough to illustrate the problem.

 

Well, Pseudonym, you're just going to have to figure it out for yourself. So get out from in front of the computer and tinker with it until it works!

Also, you can download a free motorcycle manual for FREE for just about any motorcycle you can think of right here:
http://www.carlsalter.com

(LOL)

 

A Pic might have helped.
There is supposed to be a washer on each side.

 

Got pictures up in my gallery of the rear and front sprockets. I really need help here. The clunking feels like it's coming from the front sprocket. I'm pulling my hair out here, what is wrong? Could the sprockets (how worn they are) make the clunking noise??

 

He said washers (plural). Perhaps PO or other put both on one side.

Have you tried slackening the side you don't want to come back?

 

Yes I did, but I can't get it to move. It won't take up the slack! Actually, at this point I don't think it's the alignment anymore. The clunking was coming from the front sprocket (I think) and feels like the chain wants to jump off the tranny or something... Could it be the sprockets and chain? It only started doing this after a 200 mile trip at 8000 rpm on an old chain... Not sure what happens to an old chain - also it's pretty dry and I didn't lube it before I went or anything

 

OK in your pic the cotter key is still in the axle you did take that out and loosen the axle correct? The wheel ain't going to move unless you loosen that axle up a touch. Yes if there are two washer on the left take one and put it on the right most I have seen have a washer on both sides. You do need a reference point tho try to use the swing arm bolt as your reference you need a point that is the same on either side of hte bike. Then measure back to the axle you want them both the same with light tension (not guitar string tight) on the chain. Oh and if it is like the harleys I have worked on you do have to loosen the opposite locknut to move the side you want. The axle slides through a collar that is attached to that locknut. So if you wnat the right to go back you have to relieve the tension on the left so it cane go forward.

 

Yes, I took it out (cotter pin) the pics are of after I gave up and reassembled it. I don't want to go through the hassle of taking the whole rear wheel off, but if I HAVE to I will do it in the morning. The chain is currently guitar string tight, I will check the manual and set it where that says to. That is good info about the locknut, I thought just loosening one side would let that side come back, I will try both being loosened tomorrow as well. Thanks for all the help guys, I was starting to worry about the forum lol.

P.S. with the pics, can you tell if maybe the sprockets and/or chain is just so worn that it clunks or anything? Is it possible for maybe two links to get stuck and not pivot and maybe because they're relatively straight, it jumps off the teeth of the sprockets on that link section (just an idea that popped into my head right now)

 

Now that I've found your pics, I noticed a couple of things.

Some of the rear sprocket teeth appear shorter than others indicating excess/uneven wear. Can't tell if thats just the picture tho.

Second. You do realize chains need to be lubed on a regular basis right. That one looks really dry, but again, I guess it could just be the picture.

If two links freeze relative to each other, they can clunk as they go around. Is the clunking speed dependent? (does it increas with speed, only sound at a certain speed, etc.)

 

when you figure out how to move it , adjust the chain with the front sprocket
the swingarm nut and back axle in a straight line, then get 1/2 inch up and 1/2inch down play in the middle of the chain
you might need to tie the back end down, if you eye down the sprocket, swingarm and axle and the swingarm is up when you adjust the chain it will have no slack when you sit on it and might bust the chain when the suspension compresses...that might be what you hear
for god sakes put some oil on that chain

 

Front sprocket looks about shot and the rear doesn't look much better. Your axle looks like it's back as far as it's going to go. I'd look into replacing the chain and both sprockets.
When you get a good chain, keep it lubed.

Richard

 

I agree with rpgoerlich, judging by the pictures it looks like a lot of metal filings mixed with dirt and oil/grease on the front side of your sprocket housing, those flakes of metal probably used to be part of your sprockets or chain or both. replace the chain and both sprockets. Along with the suggestion about keeping your new chain lubed, I would add, keep things clean! If you are riding your bike daily take some time every week or two and wipe down the rear sprocket, take off the front sprocket cover and clean things out in there with some solvent and a brush, throw your bike on the center stand, throw her in neutral, spin the rear wheel and wipe down the chain with some kerosene on a rag, or just get a cheap power washer at the Depot and spray things clean that way, and then lube the chain. Oil and road dirt build-up can tear up chains and sprockets pretty quick.

 

Thanks all of you guys for the help! I will spring for the new sprockets and chain and keep it well maintained! Didn't know what a bad chain or sprocket was, guess I knowvnow lol! You guys are the best!

 

I thought we covered this already: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=1 ... rt=30.html

Your chain and sprockets are COMPLETELY WORN OUT waayyy beyond being safe.

STOP RIDING THIS MOTORCYCLE AT HIGH SPEED FOR LONG DISTANCES!!!

Stop riding this motorcycle period. Quite frankly, I'm surprised it's still rideable. It's gonna self-destruct any time now.

REPLACE the chain and sprockets NOW before you get seriously hurt or worse.

Reassemble the rear axle/tensioners, etc., carefully; look at a diagram in a manual or look up the parts fiche for your bike. The rear axle nut has to get torqued to around 75 ft/lb., use a NEW cotter pin. LUBRICATE your new chain regularly.

 

pseudo, stop wasting our time and spend some of your own fixing your bike!

 

XD sorry! I am completely lost in mechanics lol - but there's only one way to learn! I'll be in the garage.

 

Hey, its okay to be completely lost in mechanics. This forum is great for helping you learn. All I meant was that on one of your threads, everyone already told you to replace the sprockets/chain and then you reposted the exact same problem making us tell you again. It was time to go out and do thats all. When the next NEW problem comes up, come back and learn some more. That's what I did.

 

pseudo, stop wasting our time and spend some of your own fixing your bike![/quote]

 

there are no stupid questions, there are however stupid answers
if ya don't like the thread don't answer it
i could never be a diplomat

 

Polock, I did answer the thread.

Then later when FITZ did, he pointed to the previous thread by Pseudo on the same thing. (Check out the link in FITZ's answer.) Pseudo had already asked this same question and got the same answer. REplace the stuf. So he posted again hoping for a different answer and what do you know everyone said the same thing.

I believe asking the same question several times of the same "experts and not so experts" expecting a different response is the definition of a stupid question. But I guess some of us have more time to waste than I do...