Topic: Question about rear brake pull on 750F2

[sparky]

Hi there,
I recently adjusted the tension on my drive chain and now when I use my rear brake,(not very often) it pulls my back end to the right in  a very noticeable way.  I think it may be that my wheel is not aligned properly, but when I try to adjust it, it changes my chain tension.
I was thinking about getting one of those chain alignment tools. I ride a 77 750F2, I have replaced the original chain and sprockets and downsized to a 530. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated, I tried to search for a conversation on this topic but found nothing that answered my question.
Thanks

[ofreen]

Sounds like your swingarm bearings are toast.

[Nate]

I just swapped tires on mine and i have a similar feel in the rear end. It's not pulling enough to freak me out or anything but it does feel a bit squirrely. Is that an alignment issue with the rear axle? or just a result of new unscrubbed in tires??

[mcpuffett]

had a bike do that on me years ago turned out the back wheel was loose and needed tightening, does yours?  ,     mick.

[scondon]

I think it may be that my wheel is not aligned properly, but when I try to adjust it, it changes my chain tension.

    Forgive me for asking, but are you adjusting the chain tensioners on both sides of the wheel and making sure that they are adjusted to the same/equal distance on the swingarm(notches on swingarm line up with notch on each adjuster bracket)?  It can take a little back and forth adjusting of each tensioner to get the wheel straight and the chain at the desired tension.

[sparky]

Hey thanks for the responses.
I don't think it is my swing arm bearings because I can make it stop pulling but then my chain seems to slack or to tight.
I am using the marks on both sides, what I can see of them anyway.
Maybe I'm just to impatient to play with it enough, that's probably why I am thinking about the chain alignment tool, it looks like it might help me, and I'm a sucker for a tool.
Has anyone ever used one? Is it worth my $40?

[nickjtc]

and I'm a sucker for a tool.
Has anyone ever used one? Is it worth my $40?

Not if you can pick up a long enough piece of 2x4 to use as a straight edge.... Or string.

[sparky]

If I use the string, what are the best points to attach my ends to? 
Thanks again.

[scondon]

 I haven't checked my alignment before so can't answer your question. But if you enter "  wheel alignment string  "  into the search bar at the top of this page you'll find a number of threads that might have your answer.

[eurban]

First off, you should certainly make sure that your swingarm and wheel bearings are in good shape.  If you notice any side to side play (swingarm "forks" move to the left and right while the bike is on the centerstand and the frame remains still) then the swing arm bearings should be replaced. Play in the wheel only would indicated wheel bearing problems.  This would be a wise check even if it is not at the root of your current problem. .  . . . .IMHO aligning the rear end of the bike based on chain alignment makes very little sense.  For the bike to handle correctly the rear wheel and front wheel should be aligned to each other.  Now in theory when the alignment marks are indicating the same on both swingarm forks, then the rear wheel and the front wheel are aligned.  Assuming that you have a properly engineered 530 conversion then when the two wheels are aligned, then the chain alignment should also be correct.  If not then you need to correct the problem with the sprockets rather than adjusting the rear wheel out of alignment with the front wheel. As a previous poster mentioned you need to fiddle with the tensioners on both sides in order to acheive both proper chain tension and equal readings on the alignment indicators. . . .On my 78k I actually found that the indicator marks on my swingarm were a good bit off from true alignment.  Determining this involved running string lines between the front and rear wheels.  This process was discussed a good  bit in earlier posts and Googling for motorcyle wheel alignment should bring up a number of approaches. . . . .I would suggest that you check your swingarm/ wheel bearings and then spend the necessary time to adjust the rear wheel so that the alignment indicators read the same and that the chain tension is correct.  This should resolve the problem if it is related to alignment.  Good luck

[sparky]

Thanks for all the advice, I will give it a go with some string, and some patience.
Thanks again.

[Lumbee]

...this is probably not u'r problem, but I just thought I'd mention it.  I had a simular problem on my F2, I did some work on the rear wheel, and upon reassembly the spacer on the left side of the wheel fell out!     I didn't notice it, and put everything back together.  The bike rode OK til I used the rear brake, at which time the wheel would pull out of alignment.  (to the right I think).  I then noticed the spacer on the shop floor, and figured it out.  Anyway didn't know if you had pulled the rear wheel off completely, and maybe did put the bearing back in.  Something to check...

[sparky]

Thanks,
but no I haven't taken the wheel off since I replaced the chain and sprockets last summer, the problem only really started when I decided to be a keener and check my chain tension and thought it was to loose and decide to "fix" it. Last month sometime.
That's why I don't think it is anything more serious then my own crooked eye.  So I'll try the string thing to get a straight line.