Putting torque to the rear axel bolt question

[kk4dbi]

Hello all,
Is it just me or can you not fit a torque wrench over the axle bolt due to the proxi

[blaine]

Originally Posted by kk4dbi

Hello all,
Is it just me or can you not fit a torque wrench over the axle bolt due to the proximity of the muffler? I can only seem to fit a wrench in there. Any suggestions for retightening to the specified torque, I want to adjust the chain myself and saves the monies. Thank you

You can use a wrench to hold the nut and put the torque wrench on the other side.
:cool:

[5th_bike]

Originally Posted by kk4dbi

Hello all, Is it just me [...] ?

No it is not you, it is the muffler indeed, I loosened the muffler and then managed to get the torque wrench on the axle nut.

PS and don't forget to recheck after you tighten, AND check it at it's tightest point - chain tension tends to vary as you rotate the rear wheel, for some odd reason (eccentric rear sprocket?)...

[Water Warrior 2]

Both sprockets and chain can be almost perfect in all respects and you will still find a tighter chain position after rotating the wheel. All chain adjustments and measurements should be made from that tighter position. Be sure to find it before making any measurement and/or adjustment. Keep in mind you are better off with a slightly looser chain than a slightly tighter chain.

[Road_Clam]

Originally Posted by 5th_bike

- chain tension tends to vary as you rotate the rear wheel, for some odd reason (eccentric rear sprocket?)...

This is a tell tale sign that your chain has stretched in certain areas and needs to be replaced. I've never seen an "eccentric" worn sprocket to cause varying chain tensions.

I've also seen siezed "kinked" chain links that can cause your described chain issue also.

[kk4dbi]

@ Blaine I will try this method the next time I attempt to adjust the chain. Thank you all for contributing I should have asked when measuring chain slack you find the tightest point on the chain and measure from what...I've seen videos say from the top of the chain to the top of the chain but the service manual looks like they want you to measure from the top of the chain when it is pulled down to the bottom of the chain when it is pulled up. What have you guys been doing?

[blaine]

I measure the amount of slack at the bottom of the chain,mid-point.1/2" to 9/16" movement up & down.
:cool:

[Water Warrior 2]

Originally Posted by blaine

I measure the amount of slack at the bottom of the chain,mid-point.1/2" to 9/16" movement up & down.
:cool:

That's the way I do it.

[cayuse]

Originally Posted by blaine

I measure the amount of slack at the bottom of the chain,mid-point.1/2" to 9/16" movement up & down.
:cool:

I measure it that way too.

I gotta say, though, I'm very doubtful about the concept of "chain has stretched in certain areas".
If the chain were indeed stretched in certain areas I don't think it would manifest itself as a "tighter and looser" chain as you turn the wheel. The position of the rear wheel is not constrained by anything else but the chain, top and bottom. Nothing you would do in a typical garage or shop would be able to detect the (very) minor fluctuations in rear sprocket position vs front sprocket position as you turn the wheel.

I think seized or tight links could do this, as well as non-uniformly worn or mfr'd sprockets. It doesn't take much to change chain slack from 5/8" to 1/2".

[Water Warrior 2]

Chain stretch is a symptom of worn pins in the chain. The side plates themselves do not stretch.

I have also found a tight and loose position on new sprockets and chain. Doesn't make a lot of sense but I get that is just the nature of the beast. Wasn't much of a difference but there it was.