two chain adjustment questions

[dean owens]

i did some reading in my MOM and search the forum for all things chain related. i get the basic hows of adjusting the chain. but i have two questions i haven't seen addressed.

1 - does it make a difference if you adjust the chain while it is hot or cold? it could be my imagination but it seems like i have more play in the chain when i get back from a long ride than say first thing in the morning when it's been sitting all night.

2 - i get that i should measure the free play from the middle of the chain. i get that i should push the chain up. BUT should i also push it down or just let it relax? i think my chain is on the lose side right now but when i go to measure the slack it's within specs. but that is just letting the chain relax rather than pushing down on it. and when it relaxes the "top" of the chain also has a bit of slack in it as well. i'm sure if i pushed down (just as i'm pushing up) that i'd have more than 2.25 inches of free play and need to adjust the chain.

thanks for the help guys and girls.

 

[CombatPenguin]

I push up and down on mine and that seems to be working fine for me.

 

[steveindenmark]

Look it up on youtube there are instructions.

Steve

 

[dean owens]

Look it up on youtube there are instructions.

Steve

i have. i've searched, read and watched a lot of videos. still have these two questions... hence me asking them. :thumbup:

thanks CP - i'll get to adjusting my chain this weekend.

now can someone take a stab at the cold vs. hot question?

 

[allaboutatv]

i don't think it makes a difference cold verse hot. unless the book mentions it specifically i wouldn't take it into account. and ive never heard of that being a factor anyway.

 

[RJ2112]

Personally, I have always maintained my chain at the loose end of the adjustment range. As long as it is not skipping over the teeth on the sprockets, it's really not too loose.

Too tight is far more stressfull on your chain.

When a chain wears, the pins and plates start to develop 'play' between them, and the links get slightly longer when you measure pin to pin.

The most important thing to remember, is to check the slack at a number of points in the chain. Setting the slack 'tight' on the loosest section of chain will ensure the tightest section stretches/wears faster than it should.

Find the loosest part of the chain, and set the slack to the loosest end of the range with that part of the chain on the lower 'run'.

I too push both up and down, to measure the total chain slack.

 

[Dunno]

On the loose side is always better. If you are checking the tension of the chain whilst the bike is on the centre stand be sure to think about how much you weigh & how stiff you have the rear suspension set.

 

[wrightme43]

Personally, I have always maintained my chain at the loose end of the adjustment range. As long as it is not skipping over the teeth on the sprockets, it's really not too loose.

Too tight is far more stressfull on your chain.

When a chain wears, the pins and plates start to develop 'play' between them, and the links get slightly longer when you measure pin to pin.

The most important thing to remember, is to check the slack at a number of points in the chain. Setting the slack 'tight' on the loosest section of chain will ensure the tightest section stretches/wears faster than it should.

Find the loosest part of the chain, and set the slack to the loosest end of the range with that part of the chain on the lower 'run'.

I too push both up and down, to measure the total chain slack.

I agree with this. Great answer. :thumbup: