I am pretty good about chain maintenance, usually cleaning and lubing about once a week (~300-350 miles). I have a little over 11K miles on the bike now and noticed a missing o-ring during my last cleaning. I use Motorex degreaser and Road Chain Lube, as well as a chain brush and terry cloth towel. I check the tension after cleaning and lubing and have adjusted the chain only twice.
Am I missing something? What could cause the o-rings to fail?
Pic?
I'm surprised they last as long as they do.
Sometimes, with a low sun from the side, I see the shadow of the chain movement and it's violent - even at steady throttle - up, down and probably sideways.
I usually replace my chains around 8-9,000 miles and have only seen a small handful of partially broken O/X-rings. 104 links x two rings x ~10 chains = 2080 rings. ~5 partially broken against 2075 survivors.
I'd say your experience is within "normal".
Exposure, FOD, etc.
The grease will escape from that pin in short order.
And then the pin will wear out very quickly.
Plan on replacing the driveline *real* soon.
11k out of the OEM driveline is average.
I bought a low quality chain (supposedly x-ring) that lost several rings after the first ride. Returned it for refund.