So there I was Saturday morning, all hyped to hit the trails when my chain started rattling like a tin can full of bolts. Figured I’d finally tackle that loose chain situation instead of paying the shop $80 again. Grabbed my toolbox and a cold beer – here’s how it went down step by step.
Getting My Hands Dirty
First thing? Parked the bike on a stand so the rear wheel dangled free. Found my wrench set and sockets – turns out you only need two tools for this job: a socket for the axle nut and an open-end wrench for the adjuster bolts. Almost tripped over my dog when I was dragging the stand out though.
Started by loosening that big-ass axle nut on the rear wheel. Had to put some serious muscle into it – that thing hadn’t moved since last season. Then I grabbed the wrench for those tiny adjuster bolts near the swingarm. Remembered to do both sides equally after messing up last time when I only did one side and my wheel went crooked.
The Actual Adjusting Part
Started tightening those adjuster bolts slowly while checking chain slack every quarter turn. Shoved three fingers between the chain and sprocket like the manual shows – when two fingers fit snug and the third won’t go, that’s when you stop. Super important tip: spin the wheel after each adjustment because stiff links can trick you.
Checked alignment using that little notch on the swingarm. Eyeballed it first and it looked straight… until I bent down and realized it was off by like 4mm. Fixed it by tweaking one adjuster just a hair. Tightened the axle nut until my knuckles turned white, then gave everything a final wiggle test.
Wrapping It Up
Whole thing took 25 minutes including tool hunting and fixing my alignment screw-up. Threw some lube on the chain for good measure. Took it for a quick spin around the block – no more death rattle and way smoother power delivery. Can’t believe I used to drag this to the shop for something so simple.
Lessons learned:
- Check chain slack with the bike OFF the stand – gravity lies
- Always adjust both sides together even if it’s tedious
- Old jeans get wrecked when you kneel in chain grease
Next project? Probably replacing sprockets when this chain fully gives up. Beer helped – do recommend.
