jbov

Hi all, the rear wheel of my Rebel is out of alignment and I am having trouble determining if it is the chain or sprockets.

I seem to have to tighten my chain far more frequently than normal - about every 400 miles or so, but it has gotten to a point where the chain almost can't be tightened properly.

The chain is slightly angled on the sprocket and it tightens at certain points then makes a clanking noise as it loosens back up. It looks like the rear wheel is skewed to the left but the chain adjusters are at a point where the right one has almost no tension on the swingarm and the left is almost all the way in.

Any ideas on what is going on? Will a new chain fix my problem?

Thanks for any and all advice!

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Guba

As far as the chain goes, how many miles does it have on it? Do you know if it was brand new on the bike or if someone replaced it with another?

And the sprockets? Do they look symetrical between the teeth? Are the teeth hook shaped at all?

On a Rebel, the wheel will be a little closer to the left side of the swing arm than on the right. Thats normal.

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Some days beer tastes good...other days beer tastes better!

'07 Rebel 250 26,000 miles

jbov

I believe I am the 3rd owner of the bike so I don't know the chain's history. I bought the bike with 8200 miles in April and it now has 10,500. The sprocket teeth are a little worn but nothing really asymmetrical or hooked.

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Guba

Sounds like it's the original chain.

Are you loosening the axle bolts before you turn the chain adjusters?

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Some days beer tastes good...other days beer tastes better!

'07 Rebel 250 26,000 miles

jbov

Yes definitely loosening the axle.

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Guba

Sounds like a bad chain? You didn't mention the year bike, that would help. An older bike might have a chain on it with bad O-rings. The chain would go bad quicker once the O-rings in the chain go.

I have a 30T sprocket on back instead of the standard 33T, and I still have some adjustment left, and that's with over 17,000 on my chain.

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Some days beer tastes good...other days beer tastes better!

'07 Rebel 250 26,000 miles

jbov

The bike is a 96. I am thinking to buy a new chain and sprockets (might as well). There is a set of all 3 on Ebay for $83.

Thanks for all your help!

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Guba

Just saw your bobber pics, looks nice.

Desert dust and sand will make short work of an O-ring chain. Combined with age and sun.

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Some days beer tastes good...other days beer tastes better!

'07 Rebel 250 26,000 miles

jbov

Haha, yeah I think the chain has seen its share of sand and sun. It isnt supposed to be red, huh?

Thanks for the props.

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bB2NER

Get the new chain and sprocket set off ebay. It's the best deal going I've found. Then align the rear wheel with the front to be sure the chain tracks straight.

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Current Rides: Drive less Ride more!!!
09' Rebel 250 Bobber (General Lee Tribute)
86' Rebel 250 Limited (black/gold)
79' Hawk CB400T (black)
92' Shadow 1100C (red/silver panels and frame)