PNW Riders

DragonXero13 · 08-15-2008, 04:19 PM

So I''m putting my wheels back on today and I also am about to clean and lube my chain. I noticed that on the left side we have ticks. What about the right side? How much do I tighten that side? If I''m unclear, I''m talking about the rear axle where you tighten the chain and all that good stuff. On the right side, it''s the same exact thing but when you tighten it, it seems to move the location of the axle hole. If I tighten this too much, can''t there be some kind of friction or bend on the axle? How will I know if I''ve tightened it enough or not?

Would a good method be measuring the length of the drive chain adjusters and match it with the other side?

cee-jay · 08-16-2008, 09:45 AM

Adjusters located on each side of the arms are marked to indicate how far out/in they are. If you are missing "ticks" your adjuster might be facing the wrong way inside the arm. I am assuming this is what you are talking about.

I like to put them fairly far in (to start) when changing wheels. Get the axle back in with all the spacers in the correct area and tighten until it holds, but you are still (it is still loose enough to slide) able to back out the adjusters.

Adjust your chain to meet requirements in you manual, then tighten the axle in to spec, re-check to make sure nothing moved, then tighten the adjusters and lock nut down. (axle will not move now, you are just tightening the nut and lock nut)

Don't over-tighten the axle and expect the adjusters to pull it out--you can strip threads here or ruin an adjuster.

Check you manual or a Clymer/haynes guide for torque values.

Both sides need equal adjustment. You do not want your wheel mis-aligned.

cj

gixer_racer · 08-16-2008, 10:01 AM

Never use the tick marks to align your rear wheel. They're good for a quick visual reference, but that's about it.

Measure each side from a reference point (I go from the rear of the swingarm on the TLR and R6) to a set point on the axle. Sears has a pretty nifty little metal measuring stick (usually near checkout in the tools area) that has a slider on it...perfect for measuring your alignment.

Also, when you tighten the axle down, be careful not to let the axle pull forward messing up your adjustment. A handy trick is to put a screwdriver under the chain and roll it back into the sprocket to hold the chain pretty tight while you tighten the axle down.

THOE · 08-16-2008, 12:42 PM

I only use those markings as a reference on my bike. When I adjust my chain I do an initial set up with a lot of slack in it. I then sit on it and have a friend check the slack. If there is to much or not enough I make the same adjustments on each side tighten the axle nut and sit back on the bike. You do not want the chain stiff when you sit on it you want at least a 1/4 inch of slack or play minimum. If you want to get anal you can pick up a small ruler and check each side to make sure they are even. I always use a rear stand when doing having a front and rear stand handy is a great investment. You can buy them on ebay for about $125 for the pair. The main idea of adjusting the chain is having some slack when sitting on with weight on the bike.


08-15-2008, 04:19 PM	#1
DragonXero13 Pit Crew Joined: Apr 2008 From: Renton, WA I Ride: Honda CBR F3	Quick question about chain/rear axle for F3 So I''m putting my wheels back on today and I also am about to clean and lube my chain. I noticed that on the left side we have ticks. What about the right side? How much do I tighten that side? If I''m unclear, I''m talking about the rear axle where you tighten the chain and all that good stuff. On the right side, it''s the same exact thing but when you tighten it, it seems to move the location of the axle hole. If I tighten this too much, can''t there be some kind of friction or bend on the axle? How will I know if I''ve tightened it enough or not? Would a good method be measuring the length of the drive chain adjusters and match it with the other side?

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08-16-2008, 09:45 AM	#2
cee-jay sctnabt Joined: Mar 2006 From: Genesee, Idaho I Ride: '05 Kaw Z750	Adjusters located on each side of the arms are marked to indicate how far out/in they are. If you are missing "ticks" your adjuster might be facing the wrong way inside the arm. I am assuming this is what you are talking about. I like to put them fairly far in (to start) when changing wheels. Get the axle back in with all the spacers in the correct area and tighten until it holds, but you are still (it is still loose enough to slide) able to back out the adjusters. Adjust your chain to meet requirements in you manual, then tighten the axle in to spec, re-check to make sure nothing moved, then tighten the adjusters and lock nut down. (axle will not move now, you are just tightening the nut and lock nut) Don't over-tighten the axle and expect the adjusters to pull it out--you can strip threads here or ruin an adjuster. Check you manual or a Clymer/haynes guide for torque values. Both sides need equal adjustment. You do not want your wheel mis-aligned. cj


08-16-2008, 10:01 AM	#3
gixer_racer Superbiker Joined: Jun 2007 From: Covington, WA I Ride: TL1000R, GSXR 750 (in pieces), Magna 1100, R6 (track)	Never use the tick marks to align your rear wheel. They're good for a quick visual reference, but that's about it. Measure each side from a reference point (I go from the rear of the swingarm on the TLR and R6) to a set point on the axle. Sears has a pretty nifty little metal measuring stick (usually near checkout in the tools area) that has a slider on it...perfect for measuring your alignment. Also, when you tighten the axle down, be careful not to let the axle pull forward messing up your adjustment. A handy trick is to put a screwdriver under the chain and roll it back into the sprocket to hold the chain pretty tight while you tighten the axle down.


08-16-2008, 12:42 PM	#4
THOE Endorsed Joined: Aug 2008 From: Portland I Ride: any women that will let me	I only use those markings as a reference on my bike. When I adjust my chain I do an initial set up with a lot of slack in it. I then sit on it and have a friend check the slack. If there is to much or not enough I make the same adjustments on each side tighten the axle nut and sit back on the bike. You do not want the chain stiff when you sit on it you want at least a 1/4 inch of slack or play minimum. If you want to get anal you can pick up a small ruler and check each side to make sure they are even. I always use a rear stand when doing having a front and rear stand handy is a great investment. You can buy them on ebay for about $125 for the pair. The main idea of adjusting the chain is having some slack when sitting on with weight on the bike.