5 Things to Know about Drive Chain and Its Maintenance

Posted on: Jun 23, 2022 | | Written by:

5 Things to Know about Drive Chain and Its Maintenance

The drive chain is very important as it helps to power your bike forward. The drive chain is connected to two sprockets. One sprocket is connected to the shaft of the gearbox while the other is connected to the rear wheel. The movement of the sprockets, along with the drive chain, helps the bike to move. The drive chain, therefore, plays a crucial role and should be maintained well. If there is any blockage in the chain, or if it lacks tension, the bike may not run properly. When you buy a two-wheeler and cover it with a bike insurance plan, you want to keep it in the best condition. Keeping the drive chain safe is a big step in that direction. Take a look at this article to know more about how you can take proper care of the bike’s drive chain so that the vehicle performs well at all times.

What is a drive chain?

A drive chain is a metal chain that is connected by two sprockets to the gearbox and the rear wheel. The gearbox makes the front sprocket rotate and the chain picks it up, thereby powering the rear wheel. This helps the two-wheeler to move ahead. If there is damage or flaw in the drive chain, the wheels won't get pulled ahead with the correct force and this can lead to the bike malfunctioning. As a result, it becomes absolutely vital for you to keep the drive chain well-maintained and in mind condition.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a drive chain?

A drive chain is the most common drive type used in bikes. The other drive types include the belt drive and the shaft drive, but it is the chain drive that most manufacturers and riders prefer. In India, we see the drive chain in almost every motorcycle, so the chances are high that your bike also has it. While there are many advantages of this technology, there are some minor drawbacks too. Here’s a lowdown:

Advantages:

● This is the most effective and efficient way of transmitting power. There is barely a loss of 1-4% transmission in this method, which is a lot less than what happens in a belt drive or shaft drive.

● It is very easy to install, use and also replace a chain drive. The technology implied is simple and straightforward. This apart, it is also one of the most affordable forms of drive technology.

Disadvantages

● A change drive has a lower life as compared to the other two types of drive, you need to replace the chains more frequently as compared to the belts and the shafts.

● You have to lubricate the chains very often, and this proves to be time-consuming.

Important things to know about the drive chain and its maintenance

A bike insurance plan takes care of the overall wellness of the bike. However, there are some components, such as the chain drive, that require regular inspection by you at the ground level. Take a look at the list below to understand how the chain works and why it is so important to maintain it properly:

1. Lubrication

As stated, the chain of the bike needs frequent lubrication. This ideally needs to be done each time the bike travels about 700 KM. here are some important pointers to note when lubricating the chain drive:

● Use a company-certified lubricant. Do not opt for the fancy lubricants as they may have foreign particles that the chain may not require.

● In the absence of a lubricant spray, you can grease the chain with kerosene too.

● Spray the lubricant directly onto the chain. Keep rotating the wheels so that every part of the chain is well and equally exposed to the lubricant.

Keeping the chain lubricated is the key to your bike performing well, so do not skip this step at any cost.

2. Cleaning

Next, you need to focus on cleaning the drive chain about every 5000 KM. The chain needs to be free from dust and dirt buildups. If there is an accumulation of any particle on the chain, it will not be able to rotate smoothly and the wheels of your bike may not get the power it needs. When cleaning the drive chain, keep the following points in mind:

● Avoid harsh detergents and chemicals to clean the chain, as those may react with the metal and lead to permanent damage to the chain. Rather, use kerosene and water to get the job done.

● Use soft materials such as an old toothbrush and a rag to gently clean the chain.

● DO NOT clean the chain when the engine is running.

Follow these simple guidelines and you will be able to clean the drive chain in a quick and easy manner.

3. Proper adjustment

The tension in the drive chain needs to be perfect at all times. If the chain is too tight or too loose, the bike won't run properly. You can check the tension by taking off the chain cover. Here are some handy tips for you:

● Refer to the user manual to understand the proper degree of adjustment for the drive chain and ensure that the exact level of elasticity is maintained.

● If you notice the chain sagging uniformly, or sagging at just a few points, you may need to get it replaced.

It is simple to open the cover and inspect the chain’s tension. If you can adjust it manually, go ahead and do so. Else, send the bike to the service station and have the experts work on it.

4. Wear and tear

Like in most other parts of the bike, normal wear and tear are expected in the bike’s chain drive as well. You need to inspect and identify the extent of wear and tear and then proceed accordingly.

● If the chain is worn out, the acceleration will be snatchy.

● Also, the bike will make excessive noise, most of which will be unpleasant.

● Most commonly, the teeth of the chain break off or get misaligned.

● Also, a worn-out drive chain loses its tension and the alignment gets disturbed.

If you fail to spot any damage yourself, send the bike to a service station and ask your trusted mechanic to evaluate the extent of wear and tear in the drive chain.

5. Replacement

As mentioned above, the bike’s chain drive may require frequent replacement. All you need to do is pull the chain out of the rear sprocket. If it slides back and smoothly falls into the right position on the sprocket, it is as good as new. If however, you struggle to place it back, or it begins to sag, you would require a replacement.

Conclusion

As you can clearly see from the points mentioned above, the drive chain is a crucial component of your bike. Take good care of it. Use your bike insurance cover to send your bike to the service station and have the drive chain evaluated from time to time. Doing so will help your bike to perform well.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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