PSA for March: Chain Maintenance

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radare
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When's the last time you cleaned your chain and sprockets, checked for stretch, set the tension and lubed them? If you can't tell me, its time to do it.

Let me scare you a bit: We see this happen on XJ's from time to time. A chain breaks, slaps the engine cases and breaks the upper case right where the sprocket cover bolt attaches. The fix, find a used set of cases on EBay, hope they are less than $300, pull your engine and swap all internals over, including the pistons, gearbox and cylinders. Its' time consuming, expensive, and completely avoidable with a little bit of chain inspection and maintenance.

[SIMG]http://i.imgur.com/cjRTv2Ph.jpg[/SIMG]

[SIMG]http://s1.postimg.org/47514j6qn/IMG_201 ... 5138_1.jpg[/SIMG]


Cleaning:
Here's what you want to do. Move the bike outside into a well lit area. Remove the sprocket cover. If you have a removal master link, loosen the back wheel and remove your chain. Soak the chain in an o-ring safe degreaser and clean it throughly. While the chain is off, scrub the sprockets with dish-soap and a toothbrush until they are clean.

If you don't have a removable master link, clean the chain and sprockets on the bike:

http://xjrider.com/viewtopic.php?f=84&t=3555

Always look for (and use) a biodegradable degreaser. I used to use Kerosene but it's horrible for me and the environment. So now I use a citrus degreaser:

https://www.amazon.com/Finish-Line-Citr ... B00YBPFT3I


This is a clean and happy chain (yes, it should be this CLEAN):

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Inspection:
Once your chain and sprockets are clean, give them a good look. Here are some examples of what to look for and when to decide its time for a new sprocket:

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If your sprockets look good, check the chain. Pull the rear wheel backward and note how far the rear axle moves. If it 75% toward the rear or more, its time to change the chain. Other indicates a chain should be replaced include noise, rust, or finding o-rings behind the sprocket cover.


Replacement Parts:
So, radare, I need to replace my chain (and or sprockets), what should I do? First, replace the chain and both sprockets at the same time. This will help with uneven and wonky wear. I recommend JT sprockets and Bikemaster BMOR chains. Both can be had for under $100. Be sure to use an o-ring or x-ring chain (they are worth the money). Expect to spend about $100 to replace your chain and sprockets.

Chain: $46 on Amazon. Should be a 520-pitch, 110 link chain. If you find a good deal on a longer chain (say 120 links), you can shorten the chain by grinding off the rivets. You want your chain to end up at 110 links, total.

[SIMG]http://www.xjrider.com/gallery/albums/u ... _cut_2.jpg[/SIMG]
[SIMG]http://www.xjrider.com/gallery/albums/u ... _cut_3.jpg[/SIMG]

Front Sprocket: This is a JTF582. Search for this on Amazon or EBay and buy the cheapest one (new) you can find. I've seen them for under $15 on eBay from time to time.

Rear Sprocket: This is a JTR855. Stock is 48-teeth. Again, search on eBay for Amazon for the best deal.

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