Chain sounding noise

[RoyC]

My bike was collected yesterday to have chair fitted but as we were pushing the bike to the van we noticed a noise just like when you are changing gear on a push bike when the chain is trying to go onto the next cog, but more of a cracking sound.
The chain had the 1/2 inch up/down play when on the centre stand and the same on the primary chain.
Does the chain tighten up when it is off the centre stand ?

[ellis]

Sounds like either the chain has stretched or the sprockets are worn to cause this noise.


ELLIS

[RoyC]

Sounds like either the chain has stretched or the sprockets are worn to cause this noise.


ELLIS

Thanks Ellis.
Funny thing is, when on stand with engine running and wheel freewheeling, not a sound.
When the bike comes back I will have to ride it around and see what happens.
Does the chain tighten up when it is off the centre stand ?

[JulianS]

Could be the chain rubbing on the rear chaincase.

[ellis]

Yes the chain does tighten up when you take it off the center stand. I sit on the bike and get someone to measure the free play. I usually go for about 1/2 " and that seems about right. Good luck RoyC.

ELLIS

[RoyC]

Yes the chain does tighten up when you take it off the center stand. I sit on the bike and get someone to measure the free play. I usually go for about 1/2 " and that seems about right. Good luck RoyC.

ELLIS

That could be my problem then ellis as I set the 1/2 inch when on the stand

[RoyC]

Could be the chain rubbing on the rear chaincase.

It's not a rubbing sound Julian, more of a cracking sound.

[chaterlea25]

Hi,
The chain is tooooo tight 

Where did you come up with 1/2in for the final drive chain?? 

John

[Slippery Sam]

Roy,
Your rear drive chain will need more than 1/2 inch and needs to be done on the ground.  Unless you have a modern superbike where the engine sprocket is on the same axis as the swing arm (which the BSA doesn't have - it's a good bit in front of the S/A pivot) - the chain will tighten when the suspension moves.
1/2 inch slack on the stand will result in the chain being stretched when you sit on the bike or the suspension moves.  I know some literature might suggest 1/2 inch - I'd always give it more than that.
good luck Raymond.

[duTch]

 

  When the bike comes back I will have to ride it around and see what happens.

 Ffs don't do that; that's the kinda dumb shit I'd  do. ...

 I agree with the above re; ' too tight', but as you've already sent it off elsewhere,  you could maybe at least chase it up and loosen the axle,  back off the adjusters incrementally and equally, (to maintain their alignment) until there is at least some slack on the chain, then nip it up until you can check it properly

[bikerbob]

On a swinging arm model according to the handbook the total free movement of the rear chain should be 1 1/4 inches which reduces quite a bit when off the stand.

[RoyC]

Hi,
The chain is tooooo tight 

Where did you come up with 1/2in for the final drive chain?? 

John

I'm probably mixing it up with how much slack to give a fan belt on the car 

[RoyC]

On a swinging arm model according to the handbook the total free movement of the rear chain should be 1 1/4 inches which reduces quite a bit when off the stand.

Thanks for this info, I think I will fit a new chain when the bike comes back.
What chain do I order ? The handbook states - Chain size and pitches :- Front = 1/2" x .305" 67 and Rear = 5/8" x 3/8" 98. whatever that means !!!!!!

[Greybeard]

On a swinging arm model according to the handbook the total free movement of the rear chain should be 1 1/4 inches which reduces quite a bit when off the stand.

Thanks for this info, I think I will fit a new chain when the bike comes back.
What chain do I order ? The handbook states - Chain size and pitches :- Front = 1/2" x .305" 67 and Rear = 5/8" x 3/8" 98. whatever that means !!!!!!

I imagine that the figures represent: Pitch, width and number of links.

I think you need to do something about the tight chain ASAP as it is putting a lot of strain on the gearbox bearings etc.

[a101960]

What chain do I order ?

Personally I would contact http://www.the-chain-man.co.uk/ What he does not know about chains is not worth knowing. As others have said the chain is best adjusted with the bike on the ground, in fact I always do mine this way and I also get someone to sit on the bike too.