Chain Tensioner Chain Tensioner

[artik]

Man, I get done fixing one problem, ride the bike for like 5 miles, come home, EAT, and got another problem to fix. My chain tensioner is the problem THIS time.

So, origionally i used the chain tensioner that came with the kit, which worked well for awhile. The plastic wheel got all cut up and eventually the sides started to just break off. I replaced it and got one with a bearing inside it. It worked for awhile but the sides STILL broke off. I don't know what else to do.

If anyone knows of any sellers that have chain tensioners which use sprockets, that would help a lot! I was thinking of making one out of a small sprocket (like the clutch one). If anyone knows a place where I can get a tensioner like this, PLEASE LET ME KNOW!

Thanks in advanced guys!
Mike

 

[mralaska]

There are spring loaded tensioners around that are higher quality than the stock tensioner. I am a believer in getting rid of the tensioner completely. Some people find enough adjustment in the rear wheel or motor mounts after taking out links to get it close. I personally use shims in the motor mount to adjust the chain tension:
http://www.motoredbikes.com/showpost.php?p=154751&postcount=14

 

[bluegoatwoods]

Also one of our members here has built a chain tensioner just like you described; sprocket.

I've forgotten who (and thread title) but you can find it, I'm sure, by typing "tensioner" into the search engine.

Good luck.

 

[Nuttsy]

Large Filipino fashioned one using the guide wheel from a recycled deraileur.
Like BGW said do a search. You could also use a 10 or so tooth idler in place of the roller you have now. Search some of the bike engine and scooter parts sites for "chain idler". Also, Northern Tool and Tractor Supply sell them.
WC

 

[Mountainman]

Toro Supply -- found in most any fair size town
can probably help you to make a very heavy duty one
they carry parts for all lawn equipment used on golf courses
many have idler gears -- with good bearnings


ride that thing sideways

 

[crazeehorse]

i wonder if you have your sprocket running true. pick up the back end of your bike, lock the clutch so the wheel turns. spin it slowly, & see if your sprocket wobbles in relation to the chain stay. if so, take your time, & adjust the sprocket mounting bolts, being careful not to over tighten or strip. this is one of the most important steps on an installation. if you do strip one of the bolts, like i did, get another washer & nut & thread it on behind the striped one to hold it , until you can get a replacment.

 

[artik]

Idler

Yah, I was thinking about it yesterday... My chain does a lot of jumping around when I'm riding, my sprocket isn't off center enough to cause worry but does everyone's chain bounce around while the engine is displacing work? I'm worried if i get a sprocket idler, it will just jump off it and that would be no good. I've got a curiosity to use a ghost ring, but i don't want to buy a new machined sprocket, anyonne know where i can get one cheap (maybe broken holes or something, teeth intact tho)?

 

[crazeehorse]

not that much, the bike that i use a tensioner on does'nt jump hardley at all. you must have something going on there. just take your time, do a lot of looking both on your bike, & the many pics on here to compare to. you''ll find what it is.

 

[Junster]

Sometimes you have to file/grind the top of the teeth on the rear sprocket to get the chain to seat well. Many have made tensioner wheels from skateboard wheels, inline skate wheels, single speed freewheels with the cogs removed. One thing, you may have to band/twist the tensioner mount to line it up with the chain. The stay arm it mounts on is at an angle. I know making a better solution to the stock tensioner is my next project.

 

[Grease]

Look thru this whole list: http://www.jensonusa.com/store/sub/1085-Chain+Tensioners+And+Guides.aspx

I particularly like this one because it has a side to side adjustment, and it has the guides so it is less likely to skip off. It should also work on left or right sides.

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/RD707Y01-Surly+Singleator.aspx

It normally threads into a derailleur hanger, but I'm sure you could rig something up on the seat tube.