Slack and stretched Chain or something worse?

[Deanie81084]

Hello everyone.

The winter and my neglect has been tough on my bike.

I believe my chain is stretched and is very slack. (Please see image below). I have a new chain and a new rear casette that I am going to install this weekend.



I was wondering if anyone thinks this will solve the problem of the chain hanging as low as it is?

-Dean

 

[lpretro1]

While chains do wear they don't do that - looks like the rear derailleur pivot may well be sticking/corroded and not springing back allowing the chain to sag like that. Might be new derailleur time

 

[Deanie81084]

I was afraid it might be something like that.

I'll replace the chain and casette anyway as they are worn, then tackle the deraileur.

Thanks for the quick response.

 

[Smokin Joe]

While chains do wear they don't do that - looks like the rear derailleur pivot may well be sticking/corroded and not springing back allowing the chain to sag like that. Might be new derailleur time

Wot 'e said.

Even elastic bands don't stretch that much.

 

[raleighnut]

Not using the small/small gear combination might help.

 

[winjim]

If the mech can't handle the extremes of chainring/sprocket combinations then it's the wrong size cage. But, I presume this one used to work? In which case before buying a new one, I'd take the mech off and dissassemble it, give it a thorough strip down service, clean and lube, as much as you can. Best case scenario, a clean shiny useable mech. Worst case scenario, you need to buy a new mech, which you were going to do anyway, but at least now you know a bit more about how to take one apart and clean it.

 

[midlife]

Has the chain fallen off?

Shaun

 

[winjim]

Has the chain fallen off?

Shaun

Now you mention it, it does look like it might have...

 

[Deanie81084]

The chain is still on, I am able to ride the bike but I don't know how much longer.

I am new to doing the maintenance by myself, so just wanted to ask.

Thanks for the help so far.

 

[fossyant]

That's the Mech pivots. If you are lucky, if you dose the pivot where the cage is, and where it bolts to the frame with GT85 or similar, you may revive it.

Best thing is to remove the chain and work the mech, pushing back and forth as you oil it. You may have killed it. A mate killed an XT front mech in one winter by not spraying GT85 on it. It's hard to kill a front mech.

 

[Deanie81084]

That's the Mech pivots. If you are lucky, if you dose the pivot where the cage is, and where it bolts to the frame with GT85 or similar, you may revive it.

Best thing is to remove the chain and work the mech, pushing back and forth as you oil it. You may have killed it. A mate killed an XT front mech in one winter by not spraying GT85 on it. It's hard to kill a front mech.

Thanks for the tip, will pick some GT85 up at the weekend and try that first.

 

[raleighnut]

Thanks for the tip, will pick some GT85 up at the weekend and try that first.

You do know that chains are supplied at a standard length and may need shortening to fit your bike, it might not but here is a vid of how to check.


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9glAbAV3bM&feature=player_detailpage

 

[Deanie81084]

You do know that chains are supplied at a standard length and may need shortening to fit your bike, it might not but here is a vid of how to check.


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9glAbAV3bM&feature=player_detailpage

I took the bike to a bike shop before Christmas and they replaced the chain and casette for me. I have been watching videos on You Tube of how to do it myself since then and it doesn't look that difficult so I was going to attempt it myself. It's just the my chain has been looking unusually slack (as in the picture).

I am aware I'll need to shorten the new chain but I have the tools, just haven't used them yet. So fingers cross I won't have to walk 3 miles to shop and have them finish it off for me.

Thanks for the link, that looks really helpful

-Dean

 

[lpretro1]

The mech pivot is stuck - simples - lube it like mad it might come back BUT 99% certain it won't - once they get that badly corroded they have had it