Chain Alignment Motion Pro 08-0048

[jestercinti]

So, my axle nut and threads were stripped last Friday.  Mr. Adidasguy was kind enough to send me a new one with nut and cotter pin!  Once the axle was on, it's time to align and tighten the chain to the proper slack.  Note that to do this, your axle bold needs to be loose.

I ordered Motion Pro 08-0048 chain alignment tool for $18 shipped.  I don't trust the marks on the side of the swingarm, and this way, I KNOW my chain is aligned:



To use the alignment tool, you have to 1. Take off the heel guard, and 2. Take off the chain guard:



Once these are off, tighten the chain alignment tool to the rear sprocket.  Make sure that the alignment rod is extended all the way:



Then use a 12mm wrench and use the adjustment nuts at the end of the swingarm to adjust the chain slack to spec (20-30mm or 0.8-1.2in).  Slack is checked in the middle of the chain between the front and rear sprockets.  Then, look down the tool to see if it's aligned like so:



Once it looks like that, tighten up the rear axle bolt to spec (50-80 Newton-Meters or 36-59 Ft. Lbs.) and you're set!  Don't forget the cotter pin!  Put the heel guard and chain guard back on, and RIDE!  Be sure to check the torque specs and chain slack when you come home from your ride, by the way.

Yes, there are many methods to check and adjust the chain...and this is one of them.  Rise safe everyone!

[GI_JO_NATHAN]

The only problem I have with this, is that it doesn't necessarily ensure that your rear wheel is aligned..

[slipperymongoose]

I got something similar it's a laser and you don't need to remove anything, just sit it it on the rear sprocket and it shoots a beam up the chain. Aligns the chain rear wheel just follows and away you go. 

[sledge]

For chain/wheel alignment I use one of these....

Takes a bit of practice but it will fit any bike, takes minimal time, is always available and costs nothing 

[slipperymongoose]

Laser beats eye

[Formori]

ROCK PAPER SCISSORS LIZARD SPOCK LASER!

Aww, laser always wins...

[jdoorn14]

I got something similar it's a laser and you don't need to remove anything, just sit it it on the rear sprocket and it shoots a beam up the chain. Aligns the chain rear wheel just follows and away you go. 

Is your tool similar to this?

[jestercinti]

That laser tool is pretty slick.  I've used the 'eye' method too in the past, but as I'm going down the road there is that thought in my mind of "Did I do it right?"

Many ways to align a chain.  All good methods.  I've even seen where the threads are counted on the adjustment bolts on the left and right swingarm frame.

[slipperymongoose]

Thing is its not always square, it's close but not perfect. Tool I use is tge one in the video in the turtorial section.

[codajastal]

I got something similar it's a laser and you don't need to remove anything, just sit it it on the rear sprocket and it shoots a beam up the chain. Aligns the chain rear wheel just follows and away you go. 

Is your tool similar to this?

Yes it is the same as that but only cost $50 (special price) from local bike show

[X-ray]

String method

[jp]

I aligned the rear wheel by eye for over 30 years, then I got a laser level to use for hanging pictures & stuff. One day I got curious and figured out how to use it to align the chain. I was dead on doing it by eye.

[seamax]

why is it necessary to remove the heel guard?

[BockinBboy]

I aligned the rear wheel by eye for over 30 years, then I got a laser level to use for hanging pictures & stuff. One day I got curious and figured out how to use it to align the chain. I was dead on doing it by eye.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0D_qkErKnRY

It doesn't really show how to line the actual level with the rear sprocket well, but there are indentations on the bottom back and front you use to line it up with the surface you set it on.

- Bboy

[sledge]

Laser beats eye

Assuming the laser hasnt taken a knock. So on that basis here is a question for you....if the laser says its spot on but it looks out when you check it by eye.........what would you do?? 

[slipperymongoose]

Laser beats eye

Assuming the laser hasnt taken a knock. So on that basis here is a question for you....if the laser says its spot on but it looks out when you check it by eye.........what would you do?? 

You just can't help yourself can ya? Always nitpicking.

[jestercinti]

Slipperymongoose, I'll have to check out the laser. Looks cool. Probably more accurate.

And yes, plenty of ways to adjust a chain. I learned something from this thread. 

[slipperymongoose]

Thanks yeah it's a pretty nifty investment. I use it at work to align chain and belt drives on our plant equipment, they have never sounded more quiet as a result

[sledge]

You just can't help yourself can ya? Always nitpicking.

Oh the irony 

[Worm]

why is it necessary to remove the heel guard?

You have to remove it to get to the front bolt for the chain guard.