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Wheel alignment after the need for chain adjustment.

1.1K views 5 replies 5 participants last post by  Misnblu2  
#1 ·
I needed to readjust the chain because it was too loose compared to the specifications.
Several criteria and methodologies for chain adjustment were proposed, which I ended up learning about through explanatory videos on YouTube.
I still feel a little uncomfortable even after watching all the videos regarding the alignment of the rear wheel and the front wheel.
A simple device for chain alignment was mentioned, which makes the crown and sprocket align with the chain as a reference.

I was using this tool as shown in the photo below.

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Although the photo has a perspective in relation to the camera as an observer, it is representing the same point of view from my perspective looking perpendicularly from top to bottom.
I noticed that the length of the device's arm is very small and a small variation within the length of the device's arm can become a very large divergence along the path to the motorcycle's sprocket.

This photo I left above represents how the alignment was after tightening and correcting the chain slack.

It seems that there is a very small distortion ((which projects all the way to the motorcycle's sprocket with a small increase in divergence).
Is this an acceptable value of divergence and can it be considered aligned or is a readjustment necessary in your opinion (as pictures above)?
One of the videos I watched was from the "moto garage" channel in which he presents alignment methods in which there seems to be no need, after using this device, to check the alignment of the rear and front tires with string.

I feel a little uncomfortable because any reference we take with the naked eye will always be subject to error, no matter how small the error is.
Assuming that this alignment already has the potential to align the rear and front wheels, I would like to know from you what other methods or if the one applied here is sufficient for the safety of the alignment.

Is an alignment procedure using string necessary after aligning the chain with the device I used?

Thanks
 
#3 ·
@47box There is some leeway. As we discussed in the other thread, the markings on the swing arms are often far off, so you are likely to get it better with your tool. A slight amount off shouldn't be an issue in my experience. But measuring with the axle tightened vs. loose makes a big difference, so make sure you measure after tightening the axle nut. I use the laser tool because I feel it is easier to get everything aligned across the whole length of the chain.

The downside to both the tool you're using and the laser tool I have is that they depend on a perfectly aligned sprocket. However, from experience I can tell you the sprocket is rarely 100% parallel to the rim, so take a few measurements at different rotations if you want to get it as good as possible. I wouldn't though, I think both our tools are good enough with a single measurement on a modern bike that is reasonably straight.
 
#4 · (Edited)
" As we discussed in the other thread, the markings on the swing arms are often far off"
Even though I try to grow up, something always comes up that I remember from my childhood and I keep thinking... when will I grow up???
My mother painted the marking lines of the Kawasaki much better kawasaki do!!!😂🤣🤣😇



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.....but it wasn't with paint or with the clay of nature.......it was with the dried tears and all the dust of São Paulo and the big cities......:rolleyes:

"The downside to both the tool you're using and the laser tool I have is that they depend on a perfectly aligned sprocket."
I didn't go into much depth regarding the number of variables needed to have 100% of the calibration with reference to the sprocket, but this item you mentioned made me think a lot too and ask myself........ is the alignment integrity of the sprocket reliable to use as a reference?!?!?!🤷‍♂️

Two question......🙋‍♂️.........after the procedures with the tool we used, do you use any other measurement method to confirm the alignment?
The photos I posted show the wheel already aligned and tightened to the specification of 98N of force. In your perspective, with several measurements at other points after different rotations, the small deviation that can be seen in the photos is considered a standard deviation for the activity......would you consider it aligned?
Thanks bro!!
 
#6 ·
Correct.
It doesn't have to be perfect but straight enough that when the wheel is turned the chain is in sync with the front and rear sprockets.

I think it's harder to set the chain sag more than the alignment.
It never fails that when you torque it down the chain sag changes. 😂