Topic: Are these chain sprockets worn? [Pic]

[chrismo]

I just replaced the chain on my CB550, but it doesn't look to me like the old sprockets are worn at all so I put the new chain on and left the old sprockets.

Here's a pic of both front and back sprockets. I'd like to know if they look worn to people with more experience than me. I was expecting that curved tooth look "hooking".

Are these still good?

[bert96]

IMO they looks good,but they always said to replaced sprockets with a new chain.

[TwoTired]

If they are used they a are worn.  But, I would reuse then with a new chain, as they aren't very worn.  Although they will make your new chain have a slightly shorter life, it shouldn't be significant.
Beware of initial wear-in chain stretch/higher frequency of chain adjust, for the first few hundred miles.

Unless you have no interest in economy, then replace them all.   You could send those sprockets to me, in that case. 

Cheers,

[Deltarider]

Everybody repeats everybody that worn sprockets shorten a chains life. So far I've never heard a good explanation for that. If somebody can, please explain. I've met some mechanics who say it simply isn't true. On my CB 500 I use to change sprockets every second chain.

[Deltarider]

And the sprockets in the pictures are CERTAINLY NOT worn.

Happy motoring!

[TwoTired]

Everybody repeats everybody that worn sprockets shorten a chains life. So far I've never heard a good explanation for that. If somebody can, please explain. I've met some mechanics who say it simply isn't true. On my CB 500 I use to change sprockets every second chain.

As a chain wears at the pin and side plate junction the actual roller spacing increases.  The exerts pressure in the tooth valley and these wear points erode to match the roller spacing of the used chain.  I new chain will not nestle into the valleys of the used sprocket until the new chain wears to the point it has the same roller spacing as the sprocket valleys, so the entire section of chain wrapped around the sprocket it accepting the load being transferred to it and not just one pin or few pins/rollers against the sprocket face.


I also change front sprockets every second chain and front and rear every fourth chain.  The second through fourth chain never last as long as a new sprocket chain assembly.  I expect about 3/4 life for that second chain and the fourth about 2/3 life.  It's still more economical to than replacing the all sprockets with each chain replacement. 

cheers,

[chrismo]

Thanks!

Glad I made the right call and left the sprockets on.  With standard non-O-ring 530 chains being so cheap ($38 in-store or $25 on-line),  I don't mind if the chain wears a bit faster. If I had a $100+ O-ring chain, then I might be more protective of it.

Chris

[bryanj]

DO NOT fit an o ring it will eat the crankcase

[Raul CB750K1]

DO NOT fit an o ring it will eat the crankcase

I'm also about to replace the chain on my 750K1. From what I've read in past posts, o-ring chain clearance in a 750 is not an issue. Am I wrong?

And what about the chainguard? The o-ring chain is much wider than a standard chain. Will it rub the inside of the chainguard?

[Gordon]

DO NOT fit an o ring it will eat the crankcase

I'm also about to replace the chain on my 750K1. From what I've read in past posts, o-ring chain clearance in a 750 is not an issue. Am I wrong?

And what about the chainguard? The o-ring chain is much wider than a standard chain. Will it rub the inside of the chainguard?

O-ring chains are not an issue on the 750, but the bike in question is a 550, which is what I'm guessing Bryan was referring to. 

[bert96]

DO NOT fit an o ring it will eat the crankcase

I'm also about to replace the chain on my 750K1. From what I've read in past posts, o-ring chain clearance in a 750 is not an issue. Am I wrong?

And what about the chainguard? The o-ring chain is much wider than a standard chain. Will it rub the inside of the chainguard?

I have a o-ring chain on my K4 without any problem.

[KB02]

As a comparison, here is a picture of the old (way worn out) front sprocket off of my Ducati sitting next to the new one.



Yes, I KNOW I should never have let it get that bad. I have slapped my own hand repeatedly over this.

[jtb]

Yes, I KNOW I should never have let it get that bad. I have slapped my own hand repeatedly over this.

Not good enough!  You need to rap your knuckles with a ruler.

[KB02]

I skinned them with an engine casing... does that count?     

[crazypj]

Yes, its worn
The front has visible wear on the drive side, reverse it and you'll be Ok (if its flanged both sides, otherwise it runs out of line). The rear looks OK but chain has been running out of line.
Reason to change as a set, the load is now taken on only a single roller/tooth at a time instead of multiple teeth/rollers. Chain pitch is new and will be withing a few thou of half inch. sprockets pitch is going to be a little bit more. ergo, chain load is on single tooth/roller so the loading is higher and chain wears faster to match sprockets
 (I thought everyone knew that?  )
PJ

[chrismo]

What makes you say the rear sprocket is running out of line?
Chris

[KB02]

The front sproket in my picture is out of line a little bit, too. If you look at the side of the teeth, you can see where the sides of the chain are wearing into sprocket a bit.

[ofreen]

I'll put in my 2 cents worth.  Both of those sprockets are visibly worn.  Should they be replaced?  It depends on how the bike is going to be used.  If you don't put many miles on the bike, the new chain and old sprockets could give you years of service.  This may not be you, but a lot of people I know don't put 2000 miles a year on their bikes.  If that is the case, no sweat.  If you are going to tour or do a lot of commuting, especially if you do it in crappy weather, I'd replace them as a set.

[crazypj]

What makes you say the rear sprocket is running out of line?
Chris

 The rather large wear area on the side. Properly lined up there should be about 0.020" clearance each side of sprocket/side plate. Th tooth pattern doesn't show too much wear though
PJ