hey guys, simple question here

[facio57]

hey all, i was just wondering a few things about my chain.  i was first wondering where to buy the split pin on the axle nut.  it seems i need to tighten my chain pretty frequently, what could be the cause of that? also how hard is a DIY fork seal replacement, mine have been leaking for a while now.  thanks a lot everyone!

~facio

[raylarrabee]

those pins are called cotter pins.  They are available at any auto parts store, or for free if you talk nice to a parts guy at your local shop...however, they're so cheap that you might as well just buy them.

[facio57]

cotter pins, that's it! thanks buddy!

~facio

[leo]

Concerning the chain tighetening. I was told that when new it will do that until it gets to a point where it won't stretch as easily. But I'm not sure.

[barbarella]

Is the chain old or new?  If it's pretty old, you may want to replace the chain/sprockets before the chain breaks on you.  Stretching is a pretty good warning sign.

If it's new, some brands will take a little time to settle as mentioned above.  If it's neither or you're not sure how old the chain is, you may be overtightening the chain and stretching it.  Remember that you should check how tight the chain is when your weight is on the bike.  Err on the loose side to avoid overtightening.

[budget speed demon]

If you tighten your chain to much when you first put it on, it will stretch unevenly and your basically fu<ked unless you buy a new chain. if its stretched unevenly it'll be really loose at one point, and then when you spinn the rear wheel to a differnent point on the chain it'll be tight. you never want your chain to be supper tight, there should always be some play in it, just not too much.... if that helps any...

[facio57]

thanks guys, i've just tightened my chain so we'll see if it loosens up on me again.  i had a really old cotter pin in the axle nut before, so maybe the new one i put in will make some difference.

~facio