 Re: How tight should I tighten the sprocket bolts?
I tightened mine to about 12 ft/lbs (not inch pounds)- but that is working up slowly and with the 9 original bolts replaced with quality bolts. I take a Sharpie and number the bolt holes 1 through 9. then I tighten number 1 down a bit, then 6, then 2, then 7, then 3, then 8, then 4, then 9, then 5, then 1.... Sharpie comes off with laquer thinner. When I get close, say 9 or 10 ft/lbs, I put a straight edge across the sprocket at several places to make sure the sprocket is equidistant from the rim. I then adjust if necessary by tightening where necessary to equal it out.
Oh yeah, one rubber disk outside, one on inside, but my kit came with 2 metal split rings, one made of three pieces with 3 holes in each and one of two pieces, one 4 holes and one 5. I put both of those on the inside, overlaping the joints.
When I took the sprocket off of the old wheel to put it on the new one, the pattern impressed on the rubber showed that the bolts were neatly between the spokes and not resting against them- that is what you want. If you do not tighten them enough to have that happen and have the sprocket stay put, trouble will follow, especially if you are using standard 14 ga spokes.... imho, at least |