Chain Cleaning
Because drive chains are often exposed during use, they easily accumulate dust, sand, and grease, requiring regular cleaning. You can either clean the chain without disassembling it or remove it and thoroughly clean it. Thorough cleaning involves soaking the chain in a cleaning agent (such as gasoline or kerosene) for a period of time, then scrubbing each section with a brush. After cleaning, immerse the chain in lubricating oil at 70-80°C and allow it to fully fill before installing it.
Chain Lubrication
If the friction surface of a chain appears brown or dark brown during use, this usually indicates insufficient lubrication. Refill the lubricant promptly. The lubrication condition of the chain directly affects its service life. It is recommended to use a dedicated lubricant or No. 30 or No. 40 machine oil. SAE 90 gear oil is also an alternative. Be sure to choose a higher viscosity oil, as a lubricant with a lower viscosity may splash onto the vehicle while driving, affecting the appearance and potentially staining clothing, while also providing poor lubrication.
Replacing a Chain
When replacing a new chain, pay attention to the chain's factory packaging. There are two common types: wax-sealed and pre-lubricated, meaning the chain is already impregnated with lubricant before leaving the factory. Both packaging options are designed to prevent rust and facilitate storage. Pre-lubricated chains can be installed and used directly; wax-sealed chains require first removing the wax, cleaning with diesel fuel, and then re-lubricating.
Installation and Adjustment
When lubricating the chain, ensure that the lubricant not only covers the entire chain surface but also penetrates the gaps between the pivots and the inner and outer link plates for effective lubrication. After lubricating, wipe away any excess oil with a dry cloth. Always turn off the engine when cleaning and lubricating the chain to avoid pinching your fingers on the sprockets.
Also, when installing the chain, ensure that the loose end has a certain initial sag, approximately 1% to 2% of the sprocket center distance. Also, ensure that the front and rear wheel axles and the rear suspension shaft are aligned to ensure the chain is at its theoretical maximum length. When adjusting the chain, ensure that the chain has the appropriate tension when the three axes are in a straight line. If the chain is too tight, it will lead to transmission obstruction, increased power consumption, increased wear of the chain and sprockets, and even possible chain breakage. If the chain is too loose, it will produce abnormal noise and increased vibration during driving, and there is a risk of chain falling.
