Hello everyone, im confused as to what might be causing this issue im having with my chain. The old one was worn bad, I think it was the original. It would get tight, then loose again and was really loud. I replaced the chain and sprocket set with quality stuff and its still doing the same thing. I notice on the stand the rear sprocket wobbles ever so slightly when running the bike... so im thinking worn cush or rear wheel bearings. What u guys think?

 

Doesn't sound good (literally). You should check the rear wheel bearings for play, grip the rear wheel at the 12'o'clock and 6'o'clock position and see if you can twist it, there should be no movement, likewise in the 3'o'clock and 9'o'clock position. Also check the rear sprocket drive bearing.

Might be worth trying to identify exactly where the noise is coming from, the front sprocket area or rear sprocket and also check the chain tension.

How many miles has the bike done, if the chain is the original one, chances are the wheel bearings are as well.

 

Checked for play in the real wheel, everything seems solid. The noise is more toward the front sprocket, but i think its mainly from the chain flopping when it tightens a little then loosens every revolution. Chain tension is to spec in the tightest spot, then the looser spot is a good couple inches of play. Bike just hit 20,000 miles. Ill try to make a youtube video tomorrow and post a link.

 

Here is a video:

 

Weird. Almost as if one of your sprockets is off-centered which I very much doubt. Never seen anything like that before... The sprocket carrier flange doesn`t seem to wobble either...

 

Just a question, I doubt it but is you front sprocket seated flush? Don't see how it would be possible but is it possibly kicked a lil ?

 

Ya the old chain and sprocket did the same thing, thats the strange thing, i've read people having this issue then its fixed when replacing the parts. I did go down to a 15T in the front, but still shouldnt cause the issue im having. The front sprocket seemed to have seated fine, i put it on with the numbers and stuff facing out. I may recheck it and remove the rear wheel and check the cush and bearings.

 

This may come in late as usual, but I only pop in the forum whenever I have some free time. Saw the video. It seems to me the tight spot is just where the chain is linked. Maybe too much pressure on the chain riveter? Another thing is some kind of warpage on the rear sprocket? Cush drives tend to “harden” over time and when that happens chain and bearings go along with sooner or later. When you’re fitting the rear sprocket it must go all the way in by hand use some silicon spray or soapy water to assist.
Check the cush drive, enganging with the rear brake on, for a little play and none when disengaged. If you’re not a “race track” person boil them in water till they soften, if you are just replace them.

 

Make sure your front sprocket is facing the correct direction, Mine has more space on one side than the other. I have play on my front but it is a 15t afam. Also to help with tight spots you can work the chain over in your hand to loosen it up, it takes some time but it eventually works. when my chain is clean its pretty noisy.