Chain noise, fixed gear

Asked by: Shawna Brown

Why is my chain making noise?

If your chain is dry, dirty, or rusted, binding can be occurring in the rollers of your chain, causing squeaking or even jumping over the teeth in your cassette and chain rings. If your chain seems to be moving freely, then it could be dirty or seized bearings in your derailleur jockey wheels (or chain guide pulley).

How do I fix my chain noise?

A squeaky chain needs to be lubed. Do this by placing the bike in a stand or by leaning it against a wall with the drivetrain facing you so that the pedals can spin freely. Drip a drop of lube on each chain link as you pedal backwards with your hand. Continue to pedal backwards to work in the lube.

How tight should fixie chain be?

It should be tight as it can be without binding. If the chain is too loose, it can fall off, which is quite dangerous on a fixed gear. Set the rear axle so that the chain pulls taut at the tightest part of the cranks’ rotation. One at a time, loosen up each of the stack bolts, and tighten it back just finger tight.

How long does a fixed gear chain last?

Replacing your chain regularly can prolong the life of your drivetrain. Most mechanics agree that you should replace your chain about every 2,000 to 3,000 miles, depending on your riding style. Many Tour De France riders wear out two or even three chains on their primary bike over the course of the three-week race.

Can I use WD-40 on bike chain?

WD-40 is a great bike chain lube water based lubricant and will not only lubricate the chain well, but will also keep it rust and corrosion free. It also minimizes the accumulation of dirt which reduces the wear and tear of the chain.

Why does my bike make a clunking noise when I pedal?

Wheel Noises Only When Pedaling



Noises once-per-wheel-revolution that only occur when you are pedaling are most often related to the freewheel or Freehub. The freewheel or Freehub bearings may be loose, or the cassette may be loose on the Freehub body. See if you can wiggle the sprockets back and forth.

What does a worn chain sound like?

There is a rattling sound. A lax timing chain, or worse, a broken timing chain with loose parts within the engine, will produce a rattling sound when your car is idling. This rattling sound is typically most prominent while the engine heats up and disappears after some time.

Can a single speed chain be too tight?

Tight enough that it doesnt slack, and when you drop the rear end of the bike it shouldnt touch your chainstay, but not so tight that your pedaling is affected.

How do I know if my chain is too loose?

To find out whether your chain is too long take a look at it from the side with your eyes being level with the chain. A loose chain will sag close to or below the chainstays as the chain hangs between the rear cogs and chainring. The chain might skip as you pedal, or even drop off the gears.

How tight should my chain be on a single speed?

Chain Tension



There should be approximately one half inch of movement in the chain up and down at a point half way between the front and rear sprockets. To change the tension loosen one of the axle-nuts and move the wheel forward or backward slightly and snug it up again.

Is silicone spray good for bike chains?

Yes. It is not optimal for use on chains though. It washes away rather easily leaving your chain unprotected and un-lubricated. It would work in a pinch but a light oil or something specifically made for the application will work much better and last a lot longer.

What is the best lubricant for a bike chain?

Best bike chain lubes

• Squirt chain lube. …
• Purple Harry’s Purple Extreme. …
• Fenwicks Wet Weather. …
• Muc-Off Hydrodynamic. …
• Finish Line Wet. …
• Morgan Blue Syn Lube Course. …
• Rock ‘N’ Roll Gold. Impressively fast running and super clean membrane lube. …
• Smoove chain lube. Very durable high-performance wax lube for extended clean efficiency.

How often should I degrease my bike chain?

Quote from video: Похожие запросы

What does a timing chain sound like when it is bad?

A lax timing chain, or worse, a broken timing chain with loose parts within the engine, will produce a rattling sound when your car is idling. This rattling sound is typically most prominent while the engine heats up and disappears after some time.

Is timing chain noise normal?

Timing chain noise is commonly most noticeable during cold startup of the vehicle when oil pressure and oil flow is at its lowest. Excess slack in the timing chain can cause a rattling sound or even a clanking sound if the slack is severe enough to cause the chain to contact the timing chain cover.

Is it normal for a bike chain to make noise?

Component: Chain



That creaky squeaking you hear as you pedal “could mean that [your bike] has a dry chain or bearings,” Yozell says. Cleaning and lubing your chain is usually a good place to start with any weird noise, but if it doesn’t solve the squeak, you may need to maintain or replace some bearings (see below).

What are the symptoms of a failing timing chain?

Signs of a Faulty Timing Chain

• Rattling Sound on Starting the Engine or Idling. A common finding in a vehicle with a bad timing chain is unusual rattling noise when the engine is started or when brakes are engaged. …
• Misfiring Engine. …
• Contaminated Engine Oil. …
• Check Engine Light. …
• Inability to Start the Engine.

Can you drive with a noisy timing chain?

Driving with a bad timing chain could give you serious engine damage, and it’s also dangerous because it could cause your vehicle to stop suddenly without warning. A timing chain typically requires replacement anywhere from 40,000 to 150,000 miles.

How does a car act when the timing chain is going out?

When a timing chain is loose or stretched, you might experience misfires while driving because the timing between the valves and pistons is out of sync, which affects the combustion in the engine. A stretched chain can skip a gear on the cam or crankshaft so that the engine’s timing falls out of calibration.