13000 kms run and it was around two months back that I noticed that the links in the chain were not straight, some links had a slight bend. The tension was tight around those bent links. As a temporary fix, applied lubricating oil and using a mallet, straightened them and it seemed to be in a straight line. However, within a week, the links were back to its bent position and I could hear the tapping noise on the chain guard. Tightening the chain would not help the situation as it was an issue with the chain links and not the slackness in the chain.
Knew it was time to replace the chain & sprocket. When I took the Bullet to the mechanic, he advised, changing only the chain and the rear sprocket should help. The front sprocket can be changed if there is too much friction.
Fitted the new chain & sprocket and the running is smooth now. It will take a few kms run for the new chain & sprocket to settle in. Just applied sufficient lubrication and the initial low frequency creaking noise has reduced. The inspection indicates that the links are all in a straight line now.
What could have caused this:
- May be the manufacturing defect in the chain itself, which I may not have noticed.
- I lubricated the chain once with the grease that I had at home. Since the chain is an open chain, the sand particles may have got settled in with the applied grease causing the damage to the chain links.
Sprocket & Chain including the mechanic fees cost 1600 INR.
This was a learning that I have to pay attention to the details and before undertaking any maintenance, I should gauge the impact (+ & -).
Knew it was time to replace the chain & sprocket. When I took the Bullet to the mechanic, he advised, changing only the chain and the rear sprocket should help. The front sprocket can be changed if there is too much friction.
Fitted the new chain & sprocket and the running is smooth now. It will take a few kms run for the new chain & sprocket to settle in. Just applied sufficient lubrication and the initial low frequency creaking noise has reduced. The inspection indicates that the links are all in a straight line now.
What could have caused this:
- May be the manufacturing defect in the chain itself, which I may not have noticed.
- I lubricated the chain once with the grease that I had at home. Since the chain is an open chain, the sand particles may have got settled in with the applied grease causing the damage to the chain links.
Sprocket & Chain including the mechanic fees cost 1600 INR.
This was a learning that I have to pay attention to the details and before undertaking any maintenance, I should gauge the impact (+ & -).
Quite informative. These are the paths that guide young bulleteers!!
ReplyDeleteNice, but in your defense, when you get the bike from the manufacturer, you don't expect defects and also whatever you get is what you think is by design.
ReplyDelete