Chain alignment - need 1/2"

[creeble]

The wheel may indeed be offset improperly -- the bike was modified to be a single-speed (no derailleur) and they may have shifted the cones. I'll look into that... haven't taken apart an axle since I was a teenager, but maybe I can figure it out again...

Yes, it's a chinese kit w/415 chain. So you're saying that those sprockets lack enough chamfering? I have a bench grinder. What do you think is the maximum misalignment possible?

It's a pretty standard bike; don't really know the brand. The rear wheel axle width (width between the two axle mounts) is 5-1/4".

So -- possibly shifting the wheel on the axle, and grinding the teeth to give them a bit more bevel. Will take a look at those.

Eric.

 

[Large Filipino]

My rear sprockets on both my bikes are closer to the spokes. It seems you have enough clearance to do this: Try taking the inside the frame nut off from the pedal side then replace it with a thinner one. Then on the engine side add that much more inside the frame. That should move your sprocket over a bit. Then also try getting those sprocket bolts a bit tighter. That rubber spoke hugger looks like you can compress it a bit more.

 

[datz510]

You might also look into some #41 chain. its a good 1/8" wider than the #415, so will put up with a little bit of misalignment. My bike has around 1/4"+- misalignment between the drive sprocket and the wheel sprockeet. I just adjusted the tensioner to help guide the chain back onto the wheel sprocket straight and its been fine so far.

 

[andyinchville1]

HI,

I am not 100% sure how far you can go with misalignment but my guess is pretty far (NOT that you would want to intentionally.....better alignment is ...well.... Better..).The reason I am suggesting that alignment doesn't have to be perfect is shown by the very nature of the multi speed bike using multiple chain rings up front and the freewheel out back....The is WAY more than 1/2 inch deflection when one uses the many of the possible gearing combinations ) but the chain does not fall off there right?.... But again, it is best to be close in alignment....especially on a motorized bike at speed....You really do not want the chain to fall off if at all possible...

Yes, beveling the sprocket teeth (and sometimes the front sprocket too) can work wonders for the chain to feed properly....Also, you may want to take the time to see if all the links on the chain itself are free to move and that you don't have and "stiff" links....sometimes that can cause problems too...

After trying some of the ideas above, you should have the problem solved.....if not we'll try harder! ;-)

Good luck!

Andrew

 

[creeble]

You might also look into some #41 chain. its a good 1/8" wider than the #415, so will put up with a little bit of misalignment. My bike has around 1/4"+- misalignment between the drive sprocket and the wheel sprockeet. I just adjusted the tensioner to help guide the chain back onto the wheel sprocket straight and its been fine so far.

And I guess it still fits in that tight chamber at the front sprocket? This is a happy time motor, and I know it's pretty tight in there.

And thanks for those tips, Andy -- weekend's here and it's time to start messing with it! I'll first try moving the wheel on the axle, then grinding the sprocket. You guys are great! I'll come back Monday with my progress.

Eric.

 

[HoughMade]

The #41 is actually stronger than 415, but the side plates are thinner. This leaves more room between the plates even though they are the same external width.