Replacing chain

[dagus]

So, I've got a new chain and new sprockets from Hord (thanks, man) and now I need to get them on...

What tools do I need to replace my chain? Is a chain breaker expensive? Is this something I can do myself?

[Doc]

Hey Doug. Saw your post to the List and thought I would chime in here.


Lets see... YOu have to take the peg shift lever off the shift shaft, rmove the cover then remove the front sprocket. The rear one you have to remove the rear tire if I remember right and it comes right off.

The chain you either use a chain breaker, Hacksaw or grinding wheel. The new chain should have a master link.

Count your links, cut the new chain to size, Installation is reverse of removal. Remember to put your master link in line with the chain.

Hope this helps. Don't forget to clean everything in there when the chain is off.

[MrDude_1]

this is all off the top of my head.. so if i missed anything, sorry...

if the current chain has a master link (a link that comes apart when you take a clip off) then take the clip out and slide the chain off.
otherwise, use a chain breaker tool, hacksaw, cutoff wheel, whatever.... and cut the chain.

the rear sprocket just unbolts... no wheel removal needed. although replacing the cushdrive rubbers is a good idea if they're old.
new one bolts on.. be sure you dont put it on backwards.

put the bike in gear... then take the shifter off, pop the cover off, and the front sprocket comes off with two bolts.
install is reverse... lol.

if you are not changing the gear ratio, you can count links, or compare the chain to the old one.....
otherwise... reset the chain adjustment so its just to the "small" side of midrange... (closer to the front)
run the new chain and figure out where you'll need to cut it. remember, hawks need more chainslack then most other bikes.

clean the chain.. that grease on the chain is not the best chain lube and it makes a mess.
lube it.. its easier with it off IMO.

run the chain thru, then connect it.

if theres a master clip, then its simple... put it together, pop the clip on.. swear because you just lost the clip... find the clip, pop it on, swear as you pinch yourself putting it on.
or
using the chain tool, tighten it so it flares out the rivets.. when you're done, it'll look like the rest of the chain.

[jaysun0ne]

ive always done it without a chain tool

vise grips to compress the master link till i get the clip on.

no need to take rear wheel off.

that sounds about right to me guys.

[hawkLer]

anyone have any tips to safely do the rivet type without a riveting tool. Looks like all the ones I have are broken...

[dagus]

I've got the cush drive rubbers too... looks like this would be a good time to do that huh?

[Doc]

I was waffleing over the "take the rear tire off" suggestion.

Thanks for clearing that up fellas (I knew I was wrong)

[brewsy]

Doug this is DEFINITELY the time to do the cush rubbers.
You just have to unstake the BIG nut, use a little flat blade and a hammer, undo it.
Take off the rear sprocket first though as that will make it much easier.
Then you simply pull off the cush drive assembly, careful as various washers/spacers may fall out.
Separate the parts, cover and inner, and the old knackered hard shitty green plastic will fall out!
Clean it all out and then reassemble. Some people say use a lubricant but personally I am not going to as you never know if the grease or oil will start breaking down the rubber of the cushes.
While you are there clean off the old shitty grease off the spindle put some nice clean stuff on it and reassemble.
Easy peasy...

Marc

[Hawk Jr]

You need this... a huge ass wrench to get that nut off!!! LOL



I borrowed it from my brothern n laws construction biz...

Thats a 22mm under it

[balou34]

I am going to replace my cush drive also,Hawk Jr, what size is that wrench( 50mm?)? So I can borrow the proper size.

Thanks

[joel]

It's 46mm- you can also use a 1 13/16" socket.

[dagus]

Gotta make a trip to Home Depot and get that socket now... then again, I'd probably destroy the new torque wrench and my other ratchet's teeny... wonder how much that monster wrench is?

[balou34]

Thanks for the info Joel. Now I have to find somebody that have it...

[joel]

Dude DO NOT use your torque wrench as a breaker bar!!!!! Bad Doug - BAD!

Let me look around,I might _might_ have a spare that could become community property.

[tbone]

you can pick up a chain tool kit at cycle gear for 89$ comes with 3 sizes of pins, a press tool, and a riveter. come packed in a nice little red case. everything you need for anything chain related.