Drive chain life expectancy??
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,026
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From: Dalton, GA
After alot of looking around the only thing I found was advice to check the chain as it rounds the rear sprocket and "pluck" it. If it's loose it's stretched. It's loose. normally chain is mesured per 10 links our so. I wish I'd measured it before I ran it. Anyone have a new chain they can measure for me? Doesn't matter how many pins I just need a standard to go by. 15,000K doesn't seem like alot to me, that's 9320 miles, the warranty is 20,000mi but I'm sure they would find a reason not to give it to me, but i will try. This website also suggested about two chains to one set of sprockets unless they are 520 aluminium sprockets; then every time. So can someone with a new chain measure for me?
Thanks
Thanks
If you still have the adjustment indicators on the adjusters they can tell you when its wore out (if its past the marks) or all adjust is used up.
I have a 520 w/ alum rear sprocket I installed last summer and have roughly 10k on it now and it still has plenty of life left in it.
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Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 61
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From: Squamish BC Canada
Bit of a mystery in that the indicator didn't line up when it was new with the new stock sprockets and the specified 108 links. I found a chain site that said that if you're running steel sprockets they can be changed out for every second chain if they're in good shape which they are. I'm comfortable with that, the RK rep in Cali agreed. I'm just fussing because if it is shot then I only recieved 1/2 life from this chain under light use so next time maybe a different brand. As a mechanic I feel that parts should live up to expectations. Not worth the shipping to get warranty though I'm sure that they know that. I just felt that there should be a solid way of measureing the wear and a spec to go with it.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1
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From: Boise, ID
OK I think I found it. Haven't applied it yet though:
Q. How do I know when my chain has elongated beyond its service life?
A. Besides the obvious signs of long-term wear, rust, "hooked" sprocket teeth and bound links; There is a mathematical formula for determining when the chain needs to be replaced. Below is an example using a 120 link, 520 pitch chain.
A= # of Links (We'll use 120 for an example)
B= .625 for 520 pitch chain. (Measurement of center of pin to center of pin)
C=.03 (ratio of wear)
(A x B)=Y
(Y x C)=Z
(Y + Z)=X
X=When the chain exceeds this length - replace the chain!
Example:
(120 x .625)=75
(75 x .03)=2.25
(75 + 2.25)=77.25"
You should replace this chain when its length exceeds 77.25".
Q. How do I know when my chain has elongated beyond its service life?
A. Besides the obvious signs of long-term wear, rust, "hooked" sprocket teeth and bound links; There is a mathematical formula for determining when the chain needs to be replaced. Below is an example using a 120 link, 520 pitch chain.
A= # of Links (We'll use 120 for an example)
B= .625 for 520 pitch chain. (Measurement of center of pin to center of pin)
C=.03 (ratio of wear)
(A x B)=Y
(Y x C)=Z
(Y + Z)=X
X=When the chain exceeds this length - replace the chain!
Example:
(120 x .625)=75
(75 x .03)=2.25
(75 + 2.25)=77.25"
You should replace this chain when its length exceeds 77.25".
Mark
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Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 61
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From: Squamish BC Canada
Awsome thanks for that. I will try both methods when I get the cast off my right hand. I'm disapointed in this chain for sure as it had a very easy life, something else next time.
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