The chain

Hello,

I had a quick question about chain play - I just installed a new chain about 150miles ago and I have noticed that the chain can slide in the lateral direction about 1mm left and right while on the rear sprocket, the sprocket teeth and the chain do not appear to be wearing quickly and the amount of free play in the chain is within spec - while riding - the bike is butter smooth through the gears and during acceleration with noise that I can tell...so just wondering if this is of concern

Thank you!

 

Nope. The chain rollers are a tad wider than the sprocket itself.

(I hope you replaced the sprockets or your new chain will quickly assume wherever in the lifespan THEY are.)

Back to your original question: you know if the rear wheel is properly aligned (chain straight) when the chain is centered on the sprocket and the play you asked about is equal in both directions no matter how many times you spin the rear wheel. You should begin to see a "wear pattern" in the chain rollers, polishing from contact with the sprocket. It should be centered.

If the chain always runs to one side or the other, then your rear wheel isn't completely aligned. Since you noticed side-play in both directions, I'd say you've got it right.

***TIP*** The book calls for 35mm~40mm of play in the chain. I've discovered that it's much "happier" at 40mm~45mm and will hold adjustment a lot longer.

Oh, and put your bike info in your sig (and some location in your profile.) You and I know we're talking 550s here, but...

 

that's funny i always thought you aligned the back wheel to the front wheel and shimmed the sprockets if the chain was offset

 

YES, but in routine maintenance you just get the back wheel straight again.

 

Thanks very much Fitz!!

Yes I did replace both front and rear sprocket when I did the chain - and yes there is an equal amount of play on either side of the chain when I move it on the rear sprocket - and the rollers appear to have the polishing dead center between the plates as you described
My free play is holding right around 1 1/2 inches ~ 37-40mm - and I believe I have passed the 200 mile mark since the install

So I should be all set - I bought a 530 X-ring chain from chacal at XJ4ever so this baby should last a good while

On another note - I don't know how to add in the little ending sig thing that shows the bike I have - trying to figure that one out - and I have newer pics that I need to upload also
...been slackin a bit

Thanks again!

 

Here's how: from the top Member Options > My Account > My profile information > Add the signature, then:

My preferences > Always attach my signature : Yes

 

I'm coming up on 20,000 miles on my O-ring chain, and I've only had to adjust it once-- the old style chains shouldn't even be sold anymore.

 

To each his own. I LIKE the old-school chains myself.