Constant Slack Chain. Time to replace?

[Danwarb]

Hi guys,

I've been having arguments with my Steamers chain tightening system with this 'allen key wind round' design.

I get the markings to be equal on each side of each swing arm before I tighten down the newly fitted allen head bolts to secure the chain in it's new taught position (a max play of 40mm).

How ever the chain keeps becoming loose again. Though I haven't checked the markings I can't believe it's these 'allen key wind round' sections that are spinning?

Could the chain really be stretching and slacking this much?

[Mustang]

are you adjusting chain with bike in neutral ? It matters . you'll never get it right otherwise .
check your chain
530 chain has a 5/8ths pitch (.625 ) so 20 links =  12.5 inches

measure 20 links , record measurement
pick another random section of 20 links , measure and record

if your chain is good it will be the same measurement everywhere you check .
if you have different numbers than 12.5 inches in 20 links your chain is fucked

[nickjtc]

Stupid question: you are torqueing the pinch bolts up correctly..???

And DO NOT be tempted to over tighten the chain to compensate.... don't ask :icon_wink:

[JayDub]

And DON'T over tighten the pinch bolts... the welds will crack. 

[Nick Calne]

  ....and replacing the swingarm is a pain in the ar5e.

[Geoff W]

 :agree and can be expensive to find.

[Danwarb]

Stupid question: you are torqueing the pinch bolts up correctly..???

And DO NOT be tempted to over tighten the chain to compensate.... don't ask :icon_wink:

All you guys and your one lines have cracked me up !! 

:rofl

I probably am over tightening these pinch bolts in an attempt to stop them coming loose and the chain slacking again.

I think I'd better get a one of those wrenches where you set the torque max before using it to tighten.

Which brand or model would you suggest please guys?

[JoeDirt]

are you adjusting chain with bike in neutral ? It matters . you'll never get it right otherwise .
check your chain
530 chain has a 5/8ths pitch (.625 ) so 20 links =  12.5 inches

measure 20 links , record measurement
pick another random section of 20 links , measure and record

if your chain is good it will be the same measurement everywhere you check .
if you have different numbers than 12.5 inches in 20 links your chain is fucked

I have a 530 on my Girly... I just checked mine and got 12.5 inches.

First time I used 12.5 inches and "Girly" in same sentence.

[Bixxer Bob]

Anyone got a picture of  swingarm with the cracked welds???

I'm thinking that off the bike and clamped on a mandrel to keep everything true they should be fixable...... 

[Sin_Tiger]

If you can find a welder who is certified to work on air frame alloys it can be done. I only know one but he's so busy doing jobs for Ryanair he has no time for anything else.

Needless to say in wary of flying with them but as he pointed out, "at least you know I welded the cracks up properly".

[Danwarb]

Why do you guys think I'm experiencing my chain to keep slackening after tightening?

Will checking the chain for it's length every 20 links answer this if there's varying lengths?

[GavD]

Dan,

Check the chain adjusters haven't been turned 180 deg in an attempt to lower the rear.

If they have, the wheel spindle will be to the top of the cam and the force of the drive chain is trying to turn the adjusters in a way that slackens the chain if the clamps aren't tight enough.

If they're in the correct position, spindle at the bottom, it's the opposite.

I had mine flipped to lower the rear, but was always conscious not to overtighten the clamps as they have been known to crack. Went out for a ride one day, gave it some beans and the drive force overcame the friction force quite significantly Had to crawl back home to find some tools to rectify a veeeeery slack chain.

[Bixxer Bob]

Gav has a point, but what Mustang was getting at was that chains don't stretch uniformly.  You'll have sections that are stretched and some that haven't.  If you set it at a tight section, then later check it on a slack section, you'll get a noticable difference.  If you've already wheeled the bike back and forth and checked the tension in several different places, you'll already know if that's the issue or whether you should be looking at the adjusters.

[Danwarb]

Gav has a point, but what Mustang was getting at was that chains don't stretch uniformly.  You'll have sections that are stretched and some that haven't.  If you set it at a tight section, then later check it on a slack section, you'll get a noticable difference.  If you've already wheeled the bike back and forth and checked the tension in several different places, you'll already know if that's the issue or whether you should be looking at the adjusters.

GOT IT !

I get this now; that the chain will be slacker if the stretched part is directly between the sprockets. Also that the only way to check this is to measure the chain. Ok I'll do this then report back with photos . . .

[threepot]

Make sure the concentric adjusters and swingarm are clean. And spray a little WD40 on them,so they don't 'stick' when you turn them. I've noticed this helps.Surprising how much 'crud' finds it's way in!