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Questions and answers about sports

Determining if there is too much chain tension on 1x setup with XT clutch derailleur

5 min read

Asked by: Tracy Sweten

How much tension should a chain have?

When the chain is properly adjusted the chain will be 1/2″ (for T-Rail) or 1/4 ” (for Square Rail) above the base of the rail at its midpoint. If the chain is either too loose or too tight, sprocket noise may result.

How do you adjust the tension on a Shimano derailleur clutch?


Quote from video: It to make this tension adjustment i'm going to spin there's an m4 inside the clutch here. And basically to test how much tension tension's on it you turn it like. So you can see the clutch. Moving.

How do you adjust a Shimano chain tensioner?

Quote from video: On an XT our derailleur to tighten the small hex bolt that increases or decreases the tension on the band around the clutch to add tension turn the bolt clockwise.

How do you service a Shimano XT clutch?

Quote from video: This is something that can be done right on the bike which is pretty convenient to remove the cover as the first step all you need is a two millimeter allen key and three screws to be removed.

Where do we check the tension of the chain?

Pull your chain down and measure the distance between the centre of the chain and the sprocket. Lift it to its highest point and measure the distance again. Find the difference between these two measurements and – voilà! You’ve got your chain’s tension.

How do I know if my chain is too loose?

If it is too loose, the chain could skip or drop, and you can see it sag.



  1. while holding one end against the teeth of the chainring, pull the other end of the chain and wrap it around the cog;
  2. line up the end of the chain against an opposite link (inner and outer links), and then.
  3. add two rivets of chain length.

How do you adjust a Shimano XT derailleur?

How to Adjust a Shimano XT Rear Derailleur on a Bicycle

  1. Shift the derailleur down to the smallest cog on the chainring. …
  2. Locate the high limit screw. …
  3. Loosen the cable anchor by unscrewing it slightly. …
  4. Tighten the barrel adjuster by turning it clockwise.

What does the clutch do on Shimano derailleur?

Shimano’s derailleur clutch maintains chain tension and prevents the chain from bouncing around and coming off. The clutch has needed attention in the past to keep shifting smoothly.

How do you adjust a single speed chain tension?

To change the tension loosen one of the axle-nuts and move the wheel forward or backward slightly and snug it up again. Then, loosen the opposite axle-nut, adjust and tighten, making sure the wheel remains centered in the frame. Re-check tension. A chain tensioner can make the process easier.

How do you adjust the tension on a derailleur chain?

Quote from video: If it is find the L stop screw and tighten it clockwise until the cage just moves then back off 1/16 of a turn.

Why does my chain go slack when I stop pedaling?

If your chain is getting slack on top when you stop pedalling or backpedal, then the problem is in your freehub (or freewheel, whichever you have), a dirty freehub will cause all the problems you’ve listed, even on a brand new bike.

How do you calculate force on a chain?

Since power = torque x RPM x 2 x π, then torque = power/(RPM x 2 x pi) (i.e., power divided by angular speed). And force = torque/radius, so force = (power/(2 x π x RPM))/radius, or force = power/(2 x π x RPM x radius).

Why is chain tension Important?

Proper chain tension is critical to achieving acceptable service life, as excessive tension can cause accelerated wear or chain overload and excessive slack can cause rough chain operation and possibly result in the chain skipping a sprocket tooth, resulting in a catastrophic failure.

How much slack should a chain have?

Tension & Slack



If chain is too loose, excessive vibration and pulsation may occur causing chain damage. For normal drives, adequate slack should be adjusted to 4% of the chain span. [Example, if the chain span is 46.5″, slack should be 46.5″ x 0.04 = 1.86″] (C).

Can you over tighten a chainsaw chain?

There is a tension screw located near the base of the bar on the chainsaw. To tighten the chain, turn it clockwise, and to loosen turn it counterclockwise. Don’t over-tighten the chain as this could cause it to break.

How do you calculate force on a chain?

Since power = torque x RPM x 2 x π, then torque = power/(RPM x 2 x pi) (i.e., power divided by angular speed). And force = torque/radius, so force = (power/(2 x π x RPM))/radius, or force = power/(2 x π x RPM x radius).

How do you tighten the tension on a chainsaw?

Quote from video: And now while you're holding the bar reach in and turn the adjusting screw clockwise. You can do this in increments of a quarter turn or half a turn if you want.

How do I know if my chainsaw chain is tight enough?

The chainsaw chain should feel snug but still pull freely. Finally, perform a “snap” test to ensure proper saw chain tension. Simply pull the chain on the underside of the guide bar down so one or two drive links are out of the guide bar rails and release it. The chain should snap directly into position.

Why does my chain keep coming loose on chainsaw?

Chain Not Set Properly



One of the most common reasons why your chain might be coming loose is because it was not set properly. When you go through the steps to tension your chain, you need to finish those steps by setting the tension so it won’t change as you work your saw.