Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: Z06C5R on July 07, 2011, 12:01:37 PM

Title: Abnormal sprocket face wear?
Post by: Z06C5R on July 07, 2011, 12:01:37 PM
Forgive me if I'm mistaken (still new to bike-tech), but the following wear pattern on my front sprocket strikes me as abnormal...

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/Z06C5R/photo.jpg)

The back-side of the sprocket shows slight discoloration where the chain runs over it (more what I would expect to be normal), but as you can see, the front is mirror-polished.  Both sides of the rear sprocket look normal to me.  Haven't changed chain / sprockets recently - the only thing I can think that could have effected chain alignment was me removing the rear wheel to mount a new tire this spring...  But I'm 99.9% certain everything went back on in the right place.
Title: Re: Abnormal sprocket face wear?
Post by: Slide Panda on July 07, 2011, 12:40:12 PM
Nope - that ain't right.

Looks like the rear wheel is not properly aligned. The right side adjustment is further back than the left which is pulling the chain against the sprocket sides. I'd wager you've got odd wear on the rear too.

There's a couple ways to check alignment - one favored is to run a tape measure from the swing arm pivot to the axle center on each side to ensure both sides measure the same.

Also, looks like your chain could use a good cleaning and lube. I'm a big fan of the Dupont multi-use Teflon (availible at lowes and hardware stores) as chain lube. When it dries it won't splatter all over
http://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/motorcycle-chain-lube/dupont-teflon-chain-lube.htm (http://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/motorcycle-chain-lube/dupont-teflon-chain-lube.htm)
Title: Re: Abnormal sprocket face wear?
Post by: battlecry on July 07, 2011, 01:43:59 PM
Check what Panda says.  Note also that you have different wear every two teeth, which may indicate the rear sprocket could be an integer multiple of the front (say 14:42 or 15:45).  In that case, move the chain over one link and ride it out.