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Replacing Chain and sprokets

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mux11
  • Start date Start date
M

Mux11

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Ive got a 78 gs550 that I want to put a new chain on. I intend on doing the sprokets at the same time but am wondering how much of a job it is without the chain break and press? or should I just suck in the $100 that the shop wants to do it?


Thanks!
 
Mux11 said:
Ive got a 78 gs550 that I want to put a new chain on. I intend on doing the sprokets at the same time but am wondering how much of a job it is without the chain break and press? or should I just suck in the $100 that the shop wants to do it?


Thanks!
Click to expand...

Buy the tools. Last time I checked JC Whitney had the best price on a chain breaker/riveter, about $70, and the mini press was about $20.
 
I used my dremel tool to grind down a link, then hammered it out with a punch. I then put in a master link. It was very easy and did not require dedicated tools.
 
Talk to the folks at Z1 Enterprises. I am in the middle of a chain and sprocket swap (on the 750) and decided to convert to a modern X-ring 530 chain. Z1 sized the chain for my bike and sprockets. Total cost with a master link was under $150. I used a dremel to cut the old chain off. No special tools necessary.
 
First time you throw a chain you'll never use a master link again.
 
Mux11 said:
Ive got a 78 gs550 that I want to put a new chain on. I intend on doing the sprokets at the same time but am wondering how much of a job it is without the chain break and press? or should I just suck in the $100 that the shop wants to do it?


Thanks!
Click to expand...

I bought a small grinding wheel that has a shank that I attached to my hand drill.

I grinded down two of the rivets on a link and then worked apart the link with a large flathead screwdriver.

For the master link on the new chain, I used an appropriate sized socket and a big C-clamp. Just go slowly and keep switching between the two ends of the master link until you get it on.

Jeff
 
chef1366 said:
First time you throw a chain you'll never use a master link again.
Click to expand...

If you install the master link correctly, you will never throw it (IMHO). Too many people either do not get the keeper in the groove correctly, or install it in the wrong direction. The closed end goes in the direction of rotation. If you put the open end that way, you are guaranteed to throw it.
 
I picked up a chain breaker at the local Farm and Fleet for $30-40 in the farm equipment area. I fiddled with it for awhile, and worked out a pretty easy way to turn it into a riveter too (a couple of carriage bolts to serve as press/anvil). I had already cut the old chain of with a cheap air cut-off tool that I picked up at Big Lots.
 
If you are doing sprockets and chain, why not just pull off the swingarm. Its a piece of cake and you don't have to break the chain. I took my new chain I got from Z1 and brought it to a local shop and he riveted it together for nothing. Then put the chain back on, check, replace or relube the swingarm bearings and you are good to go. Those swingarm bearings make a huge difference on how the bike handles.
 
Thanks for all the input!
Think i will take it to the shop and have them do it. seeing as i am selling it i would rather be more sure it is done right the first time.
Thanks
James
 
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