Clunky feeling in the rear..

nisus1 · May 13, 2005, 06:50:19 AM

Ok... that statement definitely needs clarification. This clunkiness happens when i am just starting off in first, then mildly in second gear. You can tell it happens only when power is given to the rear wheel. Sounds almost as if the rear axle is *popping* out of place by a few millimeters on the swingarm, but i've checked the exact placement and it doesn't seem to be moving at all. It's a very distinct *clank* that occurs two, maybe three times when i accelerate in first/second. It has about 1.5 seconds inbetween each clank. This happens when i am turning or going straight and no matter whether i accelerate gently or with a little gusto. I checked my chain tension as well and it seems to be within spec.

Any ideas?

scratch · May 13, 2005, 07:37:13 AM

My first thought is the rubber cushions behind the sprocket are worn. You have all the spacers? Including the one between the sprocket hub and rim hub? Otherwise, check the axle tightness. Have you tried to pull on the axle from behind (put the bike on the sidestand, grab the rear wheel and give a good tug)?

dgyver · May 13, 2005, 08:04:43 AM

How worn are the sprockets?

jiggersplat · May 13, 2005, 08:34:23 AM

my guess right off the bat would have been chain tension, but you already checked that. did you check the torque on your rear suspension?

nisus1 · May 13, 2005, 09:02:28 AM

not sure about the rubber cushings(sp?)... i'm at home today, so i'll take some pics and post them up in just a few minutes to show you the condition of things... I think the sprocket's ok, comparing to pics i've seen of new and old ones. I'll look into the cushings with my clymers. Runnin' out now to take pics... Thanx all.

nisus1 · May 13, 2005, 10:01:48 AM

Rema1000 · May 13, 2005, 10:29:52 AM

Sprocket teeth don't look too worn. The chain bushings are too shiny, and could use some oil/lube.

nisus1 · May 13, 2005, 10:57:18 AM

yeah, i'll go ahead and do that today... hopefully it will be that simple. Does anyone else see anything?

scratch · May 13, 2005, 12:23:22 PM

Check chain alignment (although, yours looks fine, check it anyway).

The plate on this side looks loose: http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/nisus1/DSCN0029.jpg

Chain needs to be cleaned, I'll bet your front sprocket cover is caked with 1 and a half pounds of dirt behind it.

Nice white bike, though!

nisus1 · May 13, 2005, 01:04:06 PM

thanks scratch... just painted it... only took me 12 hours! sheesh. but atleast i did it right. I'm not quite done, i am going to put (2) 2" black racing stripes going down the top of the bike.

I'll check the front sprocket today and make sure the plates on the swingarm are secure. I did think about that and noticed where the bolts were in reference to the notches on the swingarm, before and after a ride, to make sure it wasn't moving around and it doesn't seem to be.

Good lookin' out...

One more thing... is there a more scientific way to check chain alignment other than eyeballing it?

scratch · May 13, 2005, 01:11:11 PM

Quote from: nisus1... is there a more scientific way to check chain alignment other than eyeballing it?

Surveying laser?

Rema1000 · May 13, 2005, 03:54:30 PM

Quote from: nisus1is there a more scientific way to check chain alignment other than eyeballing it?

On some bikes, if you remove the chain cover, I've read that you can hold a straightedge up against the rear sprocket. It should run right under the chain; if not, then either the wheel isn't straight or the rear sprocket isn't directly behind the front sprocket. I think I heard about a laser-pointer that clamps to the rear sprocket, to do the same thing.

nisus1 · May 13, 2005, 06:09:36 PM

gotcha's... wouldn't have ever thought of a laser, but i gots one and that sounds perfect.

furball · May 13, 2005, 08:58:35 PM

I would have guessed chain tension as well...but you already nailed that one...that is about the extent of my advice tonight...too many beers to think anymore....

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Clunky feeling in the rear..