Clutch or something else?

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Coach · #11 Unread post by **Coach** » Thu Apr 28, 2005 6:06 am

How difficult is it to replace the chain and sprockets? Can I do this myself? I do have a manual and, as long as it isn't too difficult or time consuming, don't mind doing some repairs myself when feasible.

poppygene · Thu Apr 28, 2005 6:54 am

It's a dirty job, Coach, but someone's gotta do it!

You could probably do it, but I think it would be best for you to hire this job done, Coach. There are a lot of steps involved in the process, and ultimately your safety is at stake. It's not rocket science, but since this is your first time you'll probably blow the better part of a Saturday.
One thing that makes replacing chain/sprockets on your bike difficult is that it doesn't have a centerstand, so you have to very carefully jack the bike up and support it while the rear wheel is off.

Coach · #13 Unread post by **Coach** » Thu Apr 28, 2005 7:14 am

Thanks for the input.

Jacking it up, etc is not a problem. I have used my truck jack and jack stands with great success with this bike and my last one including while adjusting the chain yesterday morning. But, I don't have a whole day to spare in the next few weeks and I would prefer it be done before that so I suppose I'll call around and get some estimates. It'll depend on how much they want to do it.

poppygene · Thu Apr 28, 2005 7:41 am

If you're handy with tools and have everything you need when you start, you may be able to do it in a couple of hours. Hard to say how long it would take you, though.

You may need to add a couple of tools to your toolbox, if you don't have them. You'll need a torque wrench (for sure). Also, maybe a chain riveting/breaker tool in case the chain is not the correct length or doesn't come with a clip-on master link.

Coach · #15 Unread post by **Coach** » Thu Apr 28, 2005 11:32 am

Well, the local dealer is saying around $275 to $300. I'll probably end up doing it myself.

kar_the_terrible · Thu Apr 28, 2005 12:58 pm

If you;re replacing only the rear wheel sprocket, then here's a quick way to do it. Dont take your old chain off fully. Link the old chain to the new one.. run the joint chains through the crankcase till you see the new chain come out, and then detach the old chain completely.

Should make things easier.

maybe this is an old trick.. but im just showing off my newly learnt skills

hee

Coach · #17 Unread post by **Coach** » Thu Apr 28, 2005 1:50 pm

Thanks for the tip. I'll keep that in mind in the future, but I'll probably change out the front also.

poppygene · Thu Apr 28, 2005 3:51 pm

That is a smart trick! For what it's worth, though, I've been told as far back as I can remember that you should always replace the chain and both sprockets as a set. I don't have any scientific data to back it up, but the reasoning is that an old, worn-out sprocket supposedly will wear out a new chain pretty quick, and vice-versa. Kinda makes sense, if you think about it. Look at the teeth on an old sprocket and compare it to a new one, and you'll see what I mean. An old chain's links are stretched out, too, so they don't fit nicely around a new set of teeth. Just something to think about.

PS: Another thing I thought of, Coach... while you have the rear wheel off, this would a good time to inspect your brake drum and linings. Might save you from having to do a lot of the work twice!

Coach · #19 Unread post by **Coach** » Thu Apr 28, 2005 5:37 pm

Thanks. I'll take a look at the rear brake while it's all apart. I am planning on replacing the chain and both sprockets at the same time so uneven wear won't be a problem.