Topic: Chain Whine?

[Loudpipe]

Alright, so I adjusted the chain on my 750 tonight. It was extremely loose before, and I got the rear "axel" or whatever you call it set even on both sides of the wheel, and within the 3/4" chain tension that the owner's manuals suggests.  However, now it makes an intermittant whine/grinding noise as the chain turns.  I don't know exactly how to describe it, but I'm sure you've heard it before.  The chain is somewhat stretched (it's definitly past the "Replace" mark on the sticker).  That's not what's causing this noise though...I don't think.  The faster the bike is going, the more rapidly it makes the noise, although the volume is constant.  Doesn't matter whether it's in gear or out of gear, accelerating or decelerating.  Anyone know whether this is bad or not, and what's causing it?

[750goes]

what are the rear wheel bearings like is there any lateral movement in the wheel when on the centrestand??

Is the chain rubbing on anything ??

Is it transmission noise - again on the centrestand - put it in gear with the motor running and try and isolate where the noise is coming from??

keep us informed 

intriguing dr. watson

[Slapguts]

How greased is it?

Mine whines pretty bad if I let it get even a little dry.

[bistromath]

Bet your chain is hosed. Mine made those noises too... after it had totally worn out.

Replace the sprockets at the same time.

[nickjtc]

Tight and loose spots around the chain, perhaps. Check the tension at many points along the run of the chain as you turn the wheel by hand. Replace both chain and sprockets!!

[Loudpipe]

I'm thinking it must be either the chain and/or the sprockets. It never made this noise before, so it's not the bearings, and there is 0 play in the rear wheel. I`ll try to post some pics tomorrow of the chain and rear sprocket...you all can diagnose it much better than me.

How do you replace the front sprocket?

[750goes]

Sprocket replacement is pretty easy - back and front...

If you tightened the chain up too much it may have put a bit of strain or tension on the transmission, but if it is only a recent noise started up I would not suspect the chain being tightened as the major noise suspect... wait for the photos...

[bryanj]

Bet you adjusted it at a "slack" spot!

[Loudpipe]

Bet you adjusted it at a "slack" spot!

You got it! Yep, just went and checked.  In the current spot it'll barely move 1/4" up and down.  I only rode it for a very short distance like this, like less than a mile; it shouldn't have done any damage to the transmission should it?

[Loudpipe]

Anywho, how do my chain and sprocket look? I'm pretty sure the answer is gonna range from "replace it soon" to "oh my God..."

[Gregorymoto]

Are you sure it not a Wheel Bearing, If not your chain is dirty or out of alignment.
Gregory n. Mountain

[scondon]

Judging by the picture your sprocket is ready for replacement. No sense in putting new sprockets with worn chain or visa versa. Replace both chain and sprockets together. I'd think your transmission hasn't suffered. In the meantime, while your waiting for chain and sprockets, reset the tension on your chain to coincide with the tightest point and let the rest be loose.

   

[nickjtc]

In the meantime, while your waiting for chain and sprockets, reset the tension on your chain to coincide with the tightest point and let the rest be loose.

With it adjusted to this spot, try and pull the chain away from the rear sprocket. If you can expose half of the depth of a cog, or more, the set up is definately shagged and needs replacing.

[750goes]

Judging by the photos it looks like your rear sprocket is definitely a candidate for retirement, and the picture of the chain round the rear sprocket looks like it is as rusty as ......so maybe time for that one as well.....if you do replace ... do the front sprocket as well...

[Loudpipe]

I readjusted the chain tension, as well as PB Blasted the whole chain, which made a big difference.  It should be alright for a month or so until I have some money to replace it.  Not like I'm going to be riding it that much anyway...

How do you get to the front sprocket?

[Bob Wessner]

How do you get to the front sprocket?

Look at the trans cover where the gear shift shaft comes out. Just behind that is another cover that encloses the front sprocket. Remove that and there you are. Once the screws are out, it takes a small amount of maneuvering to get it free of the frame, etc.

[Loudpipe]

Ok. I figured as much but couldn't check, as 2 screws on that cover are very stuck. Soaking all day in PB Blaster plus an electric screwdriver wouldn't get them off. Any suggestions for that?

[super pasty white guy]

Impact driver?

[Loudpipe]

More #$%* to buy. Damn it.

[Einyodeler]

More #$%* to buy. Damn it.

The impact driver is your best friend when you have an older bike.

[Honda CBer]

yep, impact driver gets a lot of use on old motos and cars...

the noise you are hearing is the stretched and worn out chain moving on the sprocket... in other words, the link spacing is too large, causing the sprocket to contact only on a few teeth... as the sprocket spins, the chain actually shifts position on the sprocket as it "hunts" for another tooth... that movement will wear your sprocket pretty quickly---the chain is definately lunched, but the sprocket may not be yet, hence the different link spacing...

BTW, i love PB blaster, i really do--- it is indisposable for things like stuck header bolts--- but it is a TERRIBLE chain lube... it is a solvent (a strong one at that), and will definately clean the grime and surface rust... it will also dissolve O-rings, if you happen to be running an O-ring chain (you arent, or the O-rings are long gone)... power-wise, you are fine with an economy chain... not 100% on how many links you need, but '79 CB650Z takes 102 (by 530)... $34.99 @ motorcycle superstore...
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/item.aspx?style=13078&department=660&division=6#

[Loudpipe]

BTW, i love PB blaster, i really do--- it is indisposable for things like stuck header bolts--- but it is a TERRIBLE chain lube... it is a solvent (a strong one at that), and will definately clean the grime and surface rust... it will also dissolve O-rings, if you happen to be running an O-ring chain (you arent, or the O-rings are long gone)

Yeah, I know.  At this point, the chain just needs all the dirt gotten off of it, which the PB did pretty well.  I'll definitly keep that in mind for a new chain though.

Would an O-ring chain be better than a non-O-ring chain? What are the advantages and disadvantages of both?

[Honda CBer]

the obvious advantage of an O-ring chain is maintenence... HOWEVER, i have seen too many people with too many neglected chains because "O-ring chains are sealed and maintenence free"... WRONG!

another factor of O-ring chains is that they are normally quite stronger than a typical econo-chain... should be a non-issue with any of the bikes we talk about on this forum, except for the occasional turbo-charged ones  ...

standard chain--- clean it (on the bike, even) by dousing it with WD-40 or similar, soak it up with 23 blue shop towels, and follow with a lube that evaporates into a film (like PJ1 black label)... i have made a standard chain go for 20,000 miles on a CB750, and honestly, could have stretched it (no pun intended) further, but i didnt want to replace sprockets...

[nickjtc]

....and get a Scottoiler when you can afford it.

[Andoo]

I just replaced my old chain with an O-Ring type and they are much thicker! Now I have clearance issues with my shock. Crap, now I have to buy stock shocks with a higher spring. Be warned if you have any type of aftermarket shock setup.