Clicking noise coming from the chain at front sprocket

[Guest]

I was adjusting the tension on the chain today, and noticed that it's making a clicking noise at the front sprocket.

The previous owner (the bike is new to me- i've had it two weeks) said that he replaced the rear sprocket to gear the bike a bit higher and replaced the chain at the same time (but no mention of the front sprocket - it is a 530 chain, so it must have been replaced a some point). The box for the chain was with the other spare parts he had, and it says it's a solid roller chain and specifically says that it's not for replacement of an o-ring chain.

So, two questions: Does the clicking noise indicate a problem, or is it normal? And is the solid roller chain a problem?

[7981GS]

Take the cover off and take a picture for us.
More likely than not, the front sprocket is JUNK.

Eric

[chuck hahn]

Also roll it slowly and watch to see if the chain tries to ride up and if it does, note the spot and look at the chain..may be stiff links. Ive had mater links make roll over noises too.

[Eric]

Take the cover off and take a picture for us.
More likely than not, the front sprocket is JUNK.

Eric

I'll get the cover off tonight. I tried last night, but the screws are pretty stuck and it was getting late so decided a fresh start would reduce the chance of making a mistake.

On a side note, I think my emails back to you are getting lost in cyberspace somewhere. Could you look through your spam folder to see if they are ending up there? I tried to PM you as well, but your PM box is full.

Eric

[Big T]

You need a hand impact driver

Get thee down to Harbor Freight

[7981GS]

You need a hand impact driver

Get thee down to Harbor Freight

Or, Sears, Auto Zone, Kragen, etc.
They are only about $20 for a set.

Eric

[Eric]

You need a hand impact driver

Get thee down to Harbor Freight

I actually got one over the weekend because I knew it would come in handy at some point. Only problem is I left it in my dad's truck that I was borrowing at the time. I guess I'm off to his house.

[7981GS]

Get your camera that you left in the truck also while you are there.

Eric

[Eric]

Well here it is:



Looks like its getting worn out to me, but I'll wait for your opinions.

[tkent02]

That actually doesn't look all that bad, some wear of course but not completely wasted...
I have run them far longer with no funny noises.
Does it make the noise if you just spin the wheel by hand?

[hjacobmiller]

Check to see if your right/left tensioners on the rear wheel are on the same setting.

If they're not it can cause the rear sprocket to be out of alignment with the front and cause a clicking noise @ the front sprocket.

[5150/gs]

Mine makes a lil noise,not to hijack,but, sprockets are decent like his and aligned.i just deal with it and adjust the chain when it needs it,seldome that is.Only when i roll it forward it makes a little noise.I run my chain a tad tigh i think tho.if i lift it and it goes and inch i leave it there.am i wrong in that?
And go to sears if u can't acces tool trucks., cause if you buy elsewhere?i have 3 sets and ended up buyin bits at sears,lasted me 3 years instead of 3 months.you get what u pay for.just my 2 cents.

[GS650E_81]

Check to see if your right/left tensioners on the rear wheel are on the same setting.

If they're not it can cause the rear sprocket to be out of alignment with the front and cause a clicking noise @ the front sprocket.

I believe this is correct. I had the same noise, make sure your chain is lubricated and tight. It could be bouncing off the frame if not tight enough...

[bwringer]

The sprocket looks fine, but if that's a non o-ring chain, it's junk from the get-go and won't last long at all.

Personally, I'd junk the chain (if it is indeed a plain roller chain and not a quality o-ring or x-ring chain) and install a quality replacement.

[subid]

You might want to check the chain guard. My chain was hitting the chain guard just slightly in a few spots and sounded like a click. I just wedged some stick- on foam pads between the frame and the guard and it stopped. I think those plastic chain guards have a tendency to warp over time.