X - O Rings on Chain

[KiwiCol]

Just been out to check over things before a 3 day ride. While checking & lubing the chain, I noticed about 6 (that's ½ a dozen for the poms) of the black x rings were missing from the links & one was falling out as I was going round the chain.


Now, this chain is still fairly new, done about 15 thou k's. Always cleaned (with Kero) & lubed regular.


Anyone else had this? Does it mean this chain is stuffed?  I don't have time to replace it before heading away, so I've lubed it up, still sounds quiet & no sticking links. (not to say there won't be after the run)


It's an RK 530 GB530XS0Z1   says high performance & general street use.


So, if this is buggered, what's the word on chains? DID? RK?   


I see DID do one called 530 ZVM-X  expensive, says for heavy weight bikes, high torque & horse power. In NZ cost $380 + shipping on E-Bay it's $297 landed
Do we need something this heavy duty for our marque?  Or do these just last longer being a heavy weight thing.


BTW, what do you reckon about 15,000k on a chain?  Fair or have I had a dud?

[gsxbarmy]

Personally I'd say 15,000 Kms on a chain is poor given you've maintained it, actually very poor. And the x-rings should not be falling out. For a properly maintained chain, I'd expect about 18,000 miles as an absolute minimum (which is what about 28,800 Km? And that's minimum). Why the seals are falling out though is anyone's guess - faulty chain? Seals reacted to the kerosene? Who knows. But the seals should not have come out.

Makes me also wonder what your sprockets are like especially the gearbox sprocket. Did you replace the sprockets when you replaced the chain(that could have been a cause for rapid wear if not possibly). But I'd check the gearbox sprocket at least before leaving.

Personally I've always been a DID chain man myself, have used the DID Gold X-Ring Drive Chain (530VXGB x 116 Link) as a replacement for a couple of mates with no worries (and had I had to replace mine would have used same). I appreciate there are other makes like AFAM and Ognibene around, possibly some equivalents down under. The price you quote just for a chain landed though sounds quite expensive.

Anyway - to me your chain sounds like it's on the way out, the x-rings should not come out, they are supposed to keep dirt out from inside the links, so I'd certainly take a can of spray grease with you on your trip to keep it alll lubed up. If it's all running ok, then keep a watch on it, but I'd start saving for a new chain an sprockets as with the seals missing, wear will be more rapid in those links than others I think.

[KiwiCol]

Thx Dave, I did the 2 sprockets when I put the new chain on. They (the rear anyway) looks brand new, no hooking & teeth nice & square across tips.

[KiwiCol]

Just checked the front, it's fine like the back.

[gsxbarmy]

I think you got sold a dud chain buddy, if everything is good with the sprockets etc, then the chain hasn't worn in that respect, but with the x-rings missing, you stand a greater chance of getting dirt in between the links.

I'd contact the chain manufacturer, maybe mail them with pictures and ask their opinion - and what they can suggest to compensate you maybe, as no way should your chain have lost those seals at this mileage, even if you 100% neglected it.

[KiwiCol]

Whilst I was out checking the front sprocket, I dismantled a spare couple of links off this chain (came as 118, need 116) to see what the o rings are like on something that has never been on a bike & the ones that came off.  Both fairly similar as far as texture & 'rubberyness' goes. (they feel the same)
The new ones had white grease (as they do) on them & the ones off the bike were just straight black. It was broken & also sheared on 1 spot (a piece has broken off the profile of it - if you know what I mean)

Just wonder if it was the Wurth chain lube I used originally on this chain? Although, all the links had this applied, not just the 6 that have gone.  Just wonder.  Maybe they'll all go.

[gsxbarmy]

I can't see that Col personally, I think its a duff set of rubber seals they have used, which have deteriorated rather quickly. Maybe the kero you use to clean the chain has affected them, but if the ones off the 2 spare links are the same as the ones on the chain - still rubbery - I can't see that.

The only other thing - obscure as it may be - I can think of is that the rear wheel is not aligned right so the sprockets have been pulling the chain to one side slightly. But in the mileage you've done, I think you'd have noticed your rear wheel being out of alignment.

One thing though I might do before you do - just pull the rear wheel out and check your sprocket carrier bearing. If there is movement in the rear sprocket this could have affected the chain and possibly buggered the seals. Who knows. But if you are off on a 3 day trip, worthwhile checking!

[froudy]

I use DID X-Ring chains on mine. Usually reckon to get around 18,000 miles out of one. They come with a 15k/2 year warranty.
As the chain wears/stretches you'll find you're having to adjust it more frequently..Once I get to the stage where I'm adjusting every week to ten days then it's time to change it along with the sprockets.

I did notice when I rebuilt my bike earlier this year that one of the X rings was hanging out of the link.Chain has only been on for 7000 miles. I've never had this happen before.
I checked the rest of the chain and all the other X rings were in place. It's refitted now and I'll just keep an eye on it for the next few months and see if any more X rings fail.

[KiwiCol]

I've got her booked in to get new tyres fitted next Wednesday (after the run), I'll have them run their eye over things whilst they're in there.  I'm sure if it's out of alignment or the bearing is naf, they'll be quick to let me know.

It's going in to the Yamaha shop, Suzuki couldn't / wouldn't match the price for Angels & Suzuki are a dealer for them here. I even asked them specifically & said I could get a better deal from Trevor Pierce, they said they couldn't do it for that. Too bad, I walked.

[KiwiCol]

Just checked the maint log, this chain has only done 10,000k (6,000 miles)!!  FFS!!!

[gsxbarmy]

Then there is something wrong in its manufacture, no way do chains wear out that quick

[froudy]

Then there is something wrong in its manufacture, no way do chains wear out that quick

I agree.
The chain itself wont be worn/stretched in only 6000 miles. I'd guess that during manufacture the side plates were probably pressed on too much and because it's a little tight, it's causing the X rings to be broken and forced out.

[gsxbarmy]

Did you fit it Col, or did a shop fit it - if a shop, I'd be having a few words right now mate.

[Mick_J]

If you fitted the chain yourself get on to the manufacturers, if a dealer fitted it get back to them, even a shit chain should last 6000 miles.

[grog]

i think its stuffed Col. i was a wurth fanatic, my rk seized up two links. cut it up after removal, full of rust and just not a pretty sight. not sure if wurth is any good now. i wont try it again. i actually thought my gearbox was rooted, so noisy. my sprockets still all good but very old. no sign of wear. thinking my sprockets will need changing soon, i just fitted o ring from ek. very cheap. my thoughts were ill do full kit within 10 th. ks. chain has been brilliant, 10 th ks later everything still looks and sounds same. will fit new sprockets and chain when needed. my chain will be ek, zzz. sprockets maybe jt, get good write up. original suzuki fr. is $150, jt is 35. i really think oil is the secret. manual says use oil. scottoiler is sworn by so many to be the best way. i agree. one day ill get one. until then im using vmx castrol gear oil, no smell. pour it on either side, oil can, spin wheel a lot of times. wipe off. do a little ride, then wipe off again. will make a bit of a mess on bike, just clean her up. good for at least a thou ks.