Hey I just bought a used 2002 F4i with 11k and everything is good and mechanically sound...had to buy a new battery but otherwise eveything is good, but my chain is really loud when riding. Sprockets aren't bad a little wear and chain is in pretty good condition...Just had to clean alot of gunk off of it. Once I cleaned it it got a little better. It has a very tight spot at one point when going around the sprocket. I really dont want to have to replace chain and sprockets if I dont have to. Any suggestions?

Thanks

 

Could it be too tight?

 

In addition to what was posted, you mentioned you cleaned it, but did you lube it? Also, what did you use to clean it?

11,000 miles on a chain is not a lot, unless its been inproperly maintained. If you had to clean a bunch of junk out of it, Im guessing it wasnt maintianed properly.

Check all of the rollers, if they all spin freely, you might be ok. If you have any rollers that are sticking or do not "spin", you will probably need to replace the chain. Also, check to see if the rollers are scorned at all.

In my opinion though, from the sounds of what you described with the condition of the chain, I would replace it. You certainly dont want a chain failure. The cost of a failure is far greater than the cost of new chain and sprockets.

If you do decide to replace the chain, make sure you replace the sprockets too. Never put a now chain on an a worn set of sprockets or new sprockets on a used chain. they should be replaced as a set.

 

Well our first mistake was we measured the play in the chain from a loose point. Measured it from the chains tightest point still had a bit of a problem but the initial problem improved. Then lubed it up and it runs fine. Still a little clicking but nothing drastic. There is a lot of play in the chains loosest point but I kind of figured that would happen. I think the chain was sitting for quite some time with all the crap on it and it stretched unevenly or something. But he shes running fine now so im all goood!

Thanks for your help guys!!

 

Oh yeah an we cleaned it with WD40 and a rag and toothbrush

 

You have to be real gentle doing that, as it can stuff your 'O' rings. Toothbrush is fine, but be careful.

 

To all this, what kind of mileage is normal for a chain? My F4i has 17,600 miles and the adjust is on the "replace" marking.

 

Ew, WD40 is a magnet for dirt. I think it does more harm than good, by way of you having to clean your chain even more often. I use Motorex chain clean and that stuff is awesome! It's fairly inexpensive too.

Mike