Author Topic: Pitfalls of changing sprockets??  (Read 1951 times)

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Offline grumpy

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Pitfalls of changing sprockets??
« on: May 11, 2009, 12:52:55 PM »
I'm gonna replace the chain & both sprockets on my 750K3 (stock gearing, JT sprockets, Diamond chain)
Since this is the daily driver I need to be able to get it done in one evening, start to finish.
I've replaced the chain on this bike before but haven't touched the sprockets.
Anything I need to watch out for?
Any oddities on a K3 that I should be aware of?

I mean, I know changing sprockets is changing sprockets but I don't want to be into it at 9PM and find out on a K3 I need a special tool, replacement nut, hoosty-wiper, sprocket butter, or what have you.

Anything more involved than unbolt the old & bolt on the new?

Thanks




« Last Edit: May 11, 2009, 12:56:40 PM by grumpy »

Offline Johnny5

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Re: Pitfalls of changing sprockets??
« Reply #1 on: May 11, 2009, 12:56:13 PM »
Just a matter of removing a few nuts and bolts. Easy swap.
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Offline Duke McDukiedook

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Re: Pitfalls of changing sprockets??
« Reply #2 on: May 11, 2009, 01:16:44 PM »
Be careful that you don't bust the tongue washers.
That could make it more than a day job unless you plan on replacing them anyway.
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Offline GammaFlat

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Re: Pitfalls of changing sprockets??
« Reply #3 on: May 11, 2009, 01:49:11 PM »
You have undoubtedly done this before, but getting the front sprocket cover off reminds me of removing an airbox or solving a Chinese puzzle.  The two screws are simple but wiggling, twisting, tugging and rotating that cover can be lots of fun.

Getting the old chain off will be easy if it has a master link.  If not, you may need to grind off the end of one of the link's shafts (with a die grinder).. then drive it through.  I'm told you can do this on the rear sprocket (drive the pin through) - I've not done that and as long as that sprocket is going bye bye, it matters little if you're risking bending it.  A nice small drift pin works well.  While on the subject, how long is your new chain?  102?  If it is more than the one you currently have, you may need to shorten and go through the same drill (I mean drift) as above removing links to shorten it enough.  I've done this on my workbench with wood, my vice, die grinder, hammer and drift pin.  I remember it not being fun and I'm waiting for someone on here to tell me some magical trick that's better than my method :)

The front sprocket is 2 bolts, then rotate the retainer until it lines up with the splines on the output shaft.. then slide it off - then off comes the sprocket. 

The rear is easy (after the rear wheel is off).  If you or PO's haven't changed the rear sprocket before, your tangs on the rear retainer/washer/tongue thing will be in good shape.  I've not broken any yet but only bend them as far as you need to to get the nuts off - no point in shortening their lives. 

If you're changing types, like 530 to 630 or vice versa... now we're into a whole 'nuther kettle of fish. 

John
« Last Edit: May 11, 2009, 01:57:45 PM by GammaFlat »
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Offline Johnny5

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Re: Pitfalls of changing sprockets??
« Reply #4 on: May 11, 2009, 01:51:01 PM »
Haha, yeah that front sprocket cover will only go in one way. I found that a light touch with the the wiggling works best.
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Offline grumpy

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Re: Pitfalls of changing sprockets??
« Reply #5 on: May 11, 2009, 02:09:59 PM »
Thanks guys

Yeah - that front cover is a PAIN! I opened that up to shut off the auto oiler...

Tongues appear to be untouched so I'm hoping they won't snap off.

Chain's already cut to 102 links (grinder, drift, BFH method)


Offline GammaFlat

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Re: Pitfalls of changing sprockets??
« Reply #6 on: May 11, 2009, 02:23:46 PM »
Good luck.  I know the feeling.  One day, I decided to change the fuel gauge sender on my Dodge Ram when I needed it the next morning.  Your sprockets will take less time.  It was well past dark when I was done.  I recall a few choice words being tossed about. 
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Offline Bob Wessner

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Re: Pitfalls of changing sprockets??
« Reply #7 on: May 11, 2009, 02:40:05 PM »
Be careful that you don't bust the tongue washers.

I've never been a fan of re-using these. Too much fatigue, factory bend over, you unbend, then re-bend, but then I'm conservative about these sorts of things.
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