chain makes a grinding noise

If it's not aligned, it'll make noise as it meshes with the teeth on the cogs. Or if it's really tight it'll click and crunch.

Check the teeth of the sprockets to see if there's wear on the edges from the chain biting into it.

Check engine cog for wear on the cog, and grind marks in the case or cover from the chain rubbing.

Clean your chain. Take it off and make sure links aren't binding up. If it makes noise in one spot, isolate that spot and make sure the link isn't damaged.

All my bikes made some chain noise, and most of it is normal.

If it's a new noise, something is off, worn, or broken.

A new masterlink might not be as worn as the rest of the old chain and may be catching on the teeth. Make sure it's the right size.

Or it's just dirty and needs some lube.

WD-40 is not chain lube.

As long as the sprocket is aligned, a bent wheel won't matter.

Chain should have a little bit of slack. Not enough to fall off, but it shouldn't be so tight that it binds, or has a lot of tension.

The chain should have about an inch of play when they are standing still. They should move up and down about a half inch. Lay a yardstick flat against your rear sprocket(not on the chain) the yardstick or other long and flat object should lay flat against the sprocket cover as well. It can be off a little because the gear is inside that cover.

Sounds like the chain isn't aligned and is grinding against the drive sprocket. The teeth of the sprocket should be in the middle of the chain and not rubbing against either side. I used the U-bolt to secure my engine. One thing I like about that I can adjust the engine a little easier. Tighten them both the same amount but if the engine is tilting a little I can tighten the left or right nut a little more to straighten the engine. Always you Blue 242 Loctite on your fasteners.


Post a video if you're able.