Does my fixie need a chain tensioner
5 min read
Asked by: Donghyun Gibbons
You certainly do not need a separate chain tensioner; people have been getting chain tension right on fixed gear bikes for well over a hundred years without them.
How do I know if I need a chain tensioner?
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Timing Chain Tensioner
- Engine may stall or run rough.
- Noise in the front of the engine (a rattle or rumble, associated with engine speed)
- Check Engine Light may illuminate and set misfire, camshaft sensor, and crankshaft sensor codes.
Is it good to use chain tensioner?
A pulley chain tensioner is necessary when the frame has vertical dropouts because they stop the wheel from moving forward and back. In consequence, one cannot control the tension of the chain without a derailleur or a chain tensioner.
How do you tension a fixie chain?
Quote from video: Towards the side with the loose bolt. This will move the axle back in the drop out and give you a bit more tension then. After you do that. Take your wrench and tighten.
What does a single speed chain tensioner do?
Principally, a chain tensioner converts your bike’s vertical dropouts into a single-speed system. What is this? The tensioner, also known as the singulator, attaches to the derailleur hanger to act as a pulley system that outstretches your bike chain and gives it the correct tension.
Can loose timing chain cause loss of power?
Since the timing chain times the opening and closing of engine valves, any damage can unbalance the air-fuel ratio and result in a lack of power. It appears as a jerking motion and loss of acceleration.
How long does a timing chain tensioner last?
How long does a timing chain tensioner last? A timing chain tensioner should last between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. This time will also depend on if you follow proper care and maintenance of the vehicle. It may have premature failure without frequent oil changes or other maintenance tasks.
How does bike chain tensioner work?
Quote from video: Doing one side up will pull the wheels of outside the same as the other. So it's important that your chain is at a good tension. And your wheels in the middle.
Where does a chain tensioner go?
Applying tensioners
Always place a tensioner on the slack side of the drive. A tensioner on the outside should be 1/3 of the center distance from the small pulley or sprocket. On the inside, the tensioner should be 1/3 of the center distance from the large pulley or sprocket.
How do you install a chain tensioner Single Speed?
Quote from video: Not too tight install the tensioner so that our ads attention to the chain. Then tighten the knot repeat everything on both sides tighten them as evenly as you can to keep the wheel.
When should a fixie chain be replaced?
Quote from video: If you are using an 11 or 12 speed chain replace your chain once it is reach point five percent wear and for two sprocket or single speed bikes replace your chain when it has reached 1% wear.
Why does my bike chain slip when I pedal hard single speed?
These include worn out or misaligned derailleur pulleys, old or malfunctioning shifters throwing off the indexing in some gears, or broken/bent teeth on one or more cassette cogs. Build up of dirt and grime on drivetrain components will also cause shifting issues, including skipping chains.
What happens if your chain is too loose?
The major symptoms of a loose chain include chain teeth skipping over the sprockets, uneven transmission of power to the wheel leading to jerky wheel movements, chain lash and the chain slapping the swindle arm, and in the final case, chain coming off the sprocket.
What does a loose timing chain sound like?
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.
Will engine run if timing is off?
Quote from video: Rate if you notice you get the occasional. Misfire. Then that could mean that the timing is starting to go on the engine.
Will a broken timing chain destroy my engine?
Easy Way to Tension Your Fixed Gear Chain
What happens when timing chain tensioner fails?
There is often a timing chain tensioner noise from within the engine due to a failing tensioner. Kindly note that a bad tensioner makes the chain go loose and it may soon start hitting other parts. Hence, the noise from the engine as you drive, and this sound ranges from a knocking sound to a squeaky or chirping sound.
How much does it cost to replace a timing chain tensioner?
around US$1000 to US$1600
Timing chain tensioner replacement cost ideas-
Typical costs may include Mechanic Repair Service and Car Parts cost. The average cost to replace timing chain tensioner is around US$1000 to US$1600. In which the service is around US$600 to US$1000 while aftermarket auto parts are estimated between US$450 and US$600.
What does a timing chain noise sound like?
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.
Will a broken timing chain destroy my engine?
If the timing chain breaks, the loose metal rolling around inside the motor can lead to serious engine damage.
Will engine run if timing is off?
Quote from video: Rate if you notice you get the occasional. Misfire. Then that could mean that the timing is starting to go on the engine.