Chain rattling in lowest gear despite adjustment
6 min read
Asked by: Eddie Buck
Why does my chain make noise in certain gears?
If you hear a constant clicking (especially in certain gears), it could mean that your shifter cables have stretched enough to pull your derailleur out of alignment, causing your chain to ride between gears or rub on the derailleur cage.
How do I stop my chain from rattling?
Keep your Chain Lubed and Clean and Re-grease Derailleur or Chain Guide Pulleys/Jockey Wheels. Consistent squeaking coming from your drivetrain could be a couple of different issues, but each involves making sure moving parts are well lubricated or greased.
Why is my chain skipping under load?
Gear indexing issues
One of the most common reasons for a skipping chain is simply a drivetrain that needs a simple indexing adjustment. This is so common that even many brand new bikes can exhibit these symptoms. The good news is that this is probably the simplest to diagnose and fix of all potential issues.
Why does my chain come off when I pedal hard?
If the crankset is loose, it can move sideways during pedaling, which can allow the chain to come off. So make sure the crankarms are securely attached and that there’s no side-to-side play in the crankarm or bottom bracket. Some bottom brackets can be tightened.
Why is my bike making a rattling noise?
Bikes have lots of bolts and any one of them can work loose and rattle while you’re riding. If you hear rattling, try to locate where it’s coming from and make sure all bolts in that area are snug. Be sure to check the bolts that hold your bottle cage to your bike frame. A loose bottle cage can make a lot of noise.
Why does my bike make a clunking noise when I pedal?
Loose cassette cogs can also be the culprit of clunking noise when pedaling the bike. To address loose cassette cogs, you need to use a cassette locking tool along with an adjustable wrench, and tighten the loose parts. This way, you can reduce or eliminate the clicking sounds.
What is a chain slap?
The slapping sound of the bicycle ‘s chain against the chainstays while riding over rough terrain. noun.
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.
How do I stop my bike chain from slapping?
Some bikes are fitted with chainstay protectors, but their main purpose is to protect the frame underneath, not necessarily keep noise at bay. A cheap and popular fix can be to cut up and wrap an inner tube around the chainstay or protection can be bought to silence that noisy chain.
How do I know if my chainring is worn out?
“Rough/noisy running is the best way to tell if a chainring needs replacing,” says Chris Mckenney of SRAM. “Unless a chainring is well beyond its service life it is very difficult to see this visually; chainring teeth slowly take on the shape of a shark’s fin in use.
Why does my new chain slip?
Most of the time, the slipping of a new bike chain is caused by loose cables. The new shifting cables stretch a lot during the first few rides. The cables stretch way too far with time, and that’s when the problem arises, and your chain starts to slip between gears.
How tight should a bike chain be?
It should be tight enough that it only allows you to move it up and down about one inch. If it is sagging or much looser than that, you need to tighten that chain up.
Is it normal to hear your motorcycle chain?
A healthy chain is noisy anyway, but you shouldn’t be able to hear it yourself while you’re riding along. A vibration or clanking (sometimes felt though footpegs too) signifies tight spots or stiff links. You should thoroughly clean your chain and inspect for stuck links, loose rollers and excess stretch.
How often should a bike chain be replaced?
about every 2,000 to 3,000 miles
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.
Do new bike chains make noise?
This happens gradually over time and so when a new, “tight” chain is installed it will not mate perfectly with the worn cogs and produce the grinding you are experiencing. If they are not too bad the grinding may subside as they wear together, but it may also be time for a new cassette, or possibly chainrings.
Why does my motorcycle make noise when I change gears?
The thud sound is due to gear shifter not in sync with the gear sprocket. To a certain extent, this can be avoided by adjusting the chain. However a little bit of that sound would remain after running the motorcycle for few hundred kilometers. It is not harmful to the engine.
Do new bike chains make noise?
This happens gradually over time and so when a new, “tight” chain is installed it will not mate perfectly with the worn cogs and produce the grinding you are experiencing. If they are not too bad the grinding may subside as they wear together, but it may also be time for a new cassette, or possibly chainrings.
How do I lubricate my bike chain?
Quote from video: The outside of the chain. Doesn't need to have any lubrication. The only benefit of a bit of oil on the outside is to help prevent it from from corroding.
What is cross chaining on a bicycle?
Cross-chaining is when you’re in your big chainring and the biggest cog on your back cassette, or on your small chainring and your smallest cog. The problem is that this stretches your chain diagonally to its limits, and needlessly so, since you could just shift to your other chainring and find a similar gear ratio.
What is the hardest gear on a bike?
High Gear = Hard = Good for Descending: The “highest” gear on your bike is the largest chain ring in the front and the smallest cog on your cassette (rear gears). In this position, the pedaling will be the hardest and you’ll be able to accelerate while traveling downhill.
Should you pedal while changing gears?
First, remember that you have to be pedaling when you change gears. That’s because the chain has to be moving in order for the derailleurs to “derail” the chain from sprocket to sprocket. Second, pedal at a brisk pace.