Darn it!!!!! Please Help!!

TyDow · #1 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 02:15 PM

Hi again,

I got the sprocket done and on the bike. I thought that I had gotten it aligned ok and tighten all of the bolts. Now I noticed I still have a bit of a wobble when I look down at the sprocket when I spin the tire. Any suggestions as to getting this thing to align without losing the bolts? I tried to loosen the bolts and start over again but they are very tight. Thanks in advance.

Ty

Venice Motor Bikes · #2 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 02:34 PM

DON'T TIGHTEN THE BOLTS TOO TIGHT!!!! Loosen them a little and spin the wheel; tap the sprocket with a plastic head hammer until it is straight then snug the bolts in a 'star' pattern!
You can hit it in any direction to make it straight...

Saddletramp1200 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 02:42 PM

Yep, and you can bend your spokes.

**Bikeguy Joe** · #4 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 02:56 PM

He said tap it, not hit it with a five pound sledge...

I use a plastic hammer too. Never bent a thing.

**2door** · #5 (**permalink**) 03-09-2009, 06:47 PM

Just a thought here but is your wobble viewed from the side or above the sprocket? If what you're describing as a wobble is actually an out-of-round condition (sprocket not centered on the hub) then follow the advice offered by the guys above but if the sprocket wobbles side to side a hammer won't help. You need to keep the torque (amount you tighten the nuts) consistant or one side of the sprocket will be pulled in more than the other which will give you a side to side wobble as viewed from above the wheel looking down. Hope this helps but if not let us know. We're here to help.
Tom

unraw · #6 (**permalink**) 03-09-2009, 07:41 PM

For the up and down wobble, I always put tape around the rim until the sprockets hole is snug.

Venice Motor Bikes · #7 (**permalink**) 03-09-2009, 10:21 PM

The plastic hammer trick works VERY WELL to fix a slight side to side wobble too! (that's AFTER torquing the bolts properly of course!)

wish we lived closer we could have fun!
Norman

Venice Motor Bikes · #8 (**permalink**) 03-12-2009, 10:20 PM

Hey Norman... my name is also Norman!
I try to encourage people to think "outside of the box"

pedal pusher · #9 (**permalink**) 03-26-2009, 02:46 PM

More sprocket stuff.. I have mounted and removed the sprocket on my (first attempt) Huffy until I lost count. I have worn out the inserts on the Essna type locknuts and had to get new ones. After having the sprocket bored it will go on the dust cover but there is no way the sprocket will line up with the drive gear sprocket. My machinist friend came over and the eyeball could tell without even pulling a string in a straight line that this ain't going to work. He said in spite of all the pictures and instructions to turn the sprocket around with the dish outside and the shinny side outside which will give needed width. I did and can tell that with a string it lines up straighter, but can tell that the fender will have to be cut or removed to clear the chain. I believe the chain will clear the frame but may rub the tire. My question is: Should I continue, or is this the wrong thing to do?
Progress has been very slow and challenging so all advice and information is appreciated.
Thanks,
Pedal Pusher

toytime · #10 (**permalink**) 03-26-2009, 03:13 PM

Turning the sprocket around is fine and I'd guess that they were built like that for that reason. The fenders always seem to get trimmed for the chain and is no big deal.
Washers or spacers can also be used to spread the chain stays out by putting them on the rear wheels axle and if you feel it's needed you could also use spacers on the sprocket to bring it out more.
For me installing that stupid thing is the worst part of these kits but you will get it.
I guess you don't have a camera?