Replaced clutch cable, now chain / sprocket noise

[scott]

Actually the teeth on that sprocket look pretty good. It's the rust that got my attention.
Josh brought up a good point about alignment. Make sure the marks on the swingarm match on both sides.

It doesn't seem like it will be too long before the rust reaches the teeth so I'll put it high on the list of things to do.

The swingarm marks seem pretty close - both just shy of the fourth mark. The right-side may be a bit further if they should be exactly the same to the millimeter - it could just be the angle of the photos though. If that could be the cause of the noise, I'll try to get them closer.

Left:

Right:

 

[Guest]

That's good
Rusty old chains are very noisy don't ya know Bobby.
Does the chain get loose and tight as you rotate the rear wheel?

 

[scott]

Yeah I'll agree from thy pic the teeth don't look bad, but keep in mind that the traditional "shark" tooth look isn't the only sign of a bad sprocket. Often, especially when they've been mis-aligned, you'll get a high, hooked or twisted tooth or teeth. Plus, rust, dirt, grime etc, left on the chain and sprockets act as tiny little files. They get between the links, between the peens on the chain and work back and forth, wearing on both the chain and sprockets. Links get stiff, loose, bind... It's just a whole lotta not good for it. With the amount of rust you have going on there, I'd seriously look into replacement. That's not to say you can't ride it till then, clean it all up and see what it feels like. (after a good cleaning and lube, and after assurig the alignment is correct, spin the back wheel slowly, and feel with your hand on the wheel if there are any spots where it doesn't feel smooth... If so, I'd reconsider riding it at all. I had a chain fall apart in my hand after riding on a bad one thinking I could get some more miles out of it. I was very lucky). Replaced, and properly maintained, you should get easily 10-15000 miles out of a modern Oring chain and sprockets. But you gotta keep it clean brutha.

That's good
Rusty old chains are very noisy don't ya know Bobby.
Does the chain get loose and tight as you rotate the rear wheel?

I've cleaned the chain since that first pic but there's still some gunk in there on the inner links. I'm going to get a "Gunk Brush" and try to get the rest of it out.

I'll try to find a more consistent way to measure the slack in several places to see if it's getting loose and tight. I definitely don't want the chain breaking while riding.

 

[Guest]

You can feel it as you spin the back tire with it on the center stand.

 

[scott]

You can feel it as you spin the back tire with it on the center stand.

I don't trust myself on these "feel" things but I just gave it another try and I do think there is a harder section and easier section when turning the rear wheel. The chains on its last legs I guess.