Chain Binding

[dh]

I recently changed my chain and have noticed the new one wearing out very fast and needing adjustments more frequently, about every 150 miles or so. The first two chains lasted me about 6,000 miles each. After about 2,000 miles this chain whips up and down while riding because it is binding on the rear sprocket after the master link. As the bike rolls the chain gets loose, super tight and then loose again with each rotation.

Although both sprockets have between 10 and 15k miles they appear to be in good shape. I have ordered a new sprockets and chain and I'm hoping this solves the problem, but I don't like the idea of going through a new chain every 2,000 miles. I have been good about checking sprocket alignment and that seems to be good even now. I feel like I do a ok job of keeping the chain lubed.

Is there any reason the chain would bind right after the master link? Does this sound like worn sprocket(s) or did I install or maintain the chain wrong?

[Megadan]

Sounds like dry or corroded rollers to me. A new chain shouldn't have binding issues like that.

What brand and type (standard or o-ring) of chain is it?

[Azhule]

A few more Q's

Did you change out to new sprockets when you did the chain?

What is the sprocket(s) tooth count and how many links in the chain?

[dh]

It is a standard RK 520h 112 links. I did not change the sprockets since I thought they looked ok. I will try and get some pictures of both. I replaced the last chain because it was doing the same thing and I figured it was just worn out.

The rear sprocket is the original 43 tooth and front is a 16 tooth that I put on right after the bike was broken in.

[Angus67]

Have you checked the bolts on the sprockets?

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by dh

It is a standard RK 520h 112 links. I did not change the sprockets since I thought they looked ok. I will try and get some pictures of both. I replaced the last chain because it was doing the same thing and I figured it was just worn out.

The rear sprocket is the original 43 tooth and front is a 16 tooth that I put on right after the bike was broken in.

I think i see your issue. 520 chain on 428 sprockets. Unless that was a typo. 520 chain is a bigger chain pitch

[humanbeing]

Originally Posted by Megadan

I think i see your issue. 520 chain on 428 sprockets. Unless that was a typo. 520 chain is a bigger chain pitch

What?! His XF250 (engine similar to Tu250) is 520 https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=562248710138 in theory

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by humanbeing

What?! His XF250 (engine similar to Tu250) is 520 https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=562248710138 in theory

I stand corrected then! I saw the sprocket teeth counts and my brain assumed something absurd. Ignore my previous comment lol.

Something I didn't get to state (I was at work at the time) is that if the chains you are buying sat on a shelf for a while, all of the grease or lubricant in the chain has likely dried up. If you don't know for sure that your chain is relatively new, then the best thing you can do is give it a good bath in your chain lube of choice, heavy gear oil, or a hot paraffin wax. By bath, I don't mean spray it, I mean immerse it and let it sit for a while to let said lubricant work its way into the rollers.

Also, if the only link that is binding is next to the master link, then there is a chance that one or more of the plates near that link may have been bent. This happens a lot when people use pliers to help press the master link together. If immersing the chain and articulating that particular link doesn't free it up, then I would assume a mechanical issue like said bent plate.

[humanbeing]

Originally Posted by Megadan

... a good bath in your chain lube of choice, heavy gear oil, or a hot paraffin wax. By bath, I don't mean spray it, I mean immerse it ...

The chinese way to that bathing needs a cheapy portable induction hob (other use in bike: Bearing http://www.motorfans.com.cn/forum.ph...=434490&page=1 16# Head: http://www.motorfans.com.cn/thread-16960295-1-1.html 15#) & some ferrous container collected from bin

[dh]

Angus I did check the sprocket bolts and eveything was snug.

Megadan I didn't soak the chain before installing but I will be sure to break in the new chain right. Right now one half of the chain is incredibly tight and the other half is incredibly loose to the point it is wearing the upper chain guard as it swings up and down.

I am ordering a new front sprocket and chain today from Amazon and hopefully my rear sprockets from Taobao arrive in time for the weekend. I will have the choice of a 39 or 43 for the rear and a 12, 15, and 16 up front.

Also wondering, are O ring chains worth the extra money?

[Megadan]

I think they are, but that is entirely subjective. Standard chains can last a long time if properly prepped and cared for. I have had great life out of D.I.D o ring chains, and my EK SROZ chain had 1400 miles on it when removed and has uet to stretch or bind. I could probably get several more thousand miles on it.