Rear wheel alignment after chain tighten? - Yamaha FZ6 Forums - International FZ6 Motorcycle Community Forum

Canada17 · 06-29-2008, 09:53 AM

So I changed the oil the other day. Very happy with the motul semi-synth I used and the oem filter. While doing this I also adjusted the chain tightness back to spec. But while doing this noticed that the two sides of my rear swingarm are not the same and therefore I did the 1/4 turn each side until tight method on the adjusters. Is there any way I can check to make sure my rear wheel is square in the swingarm? Any tips?

Fred · 06-29-2008, 10:01 AM

Measure from the centerline of the axle bolt the centerline of the swingarm pivot. It should be the same on both sides.

Fred

**dark_isz** · 06-29-2008, 10:08 AM

I usually eyeball it. I get on the ground a behind the rear wheel and spin the rear wheel checking the position of the chain on the sprocket. With a correctly aligned rear wheel, the sprocket teeth should stay in the middle of the chain openings. When the rear wheel is out of line, the teeth will be towards one side or another. Once I have eyeballed it, I go for a short ride to verify there's nothing unusual.

A more precise method for checking the rear wheel alignment is available at this link from an FZ-1 forum member.

SportRyder's Wheel Alignment Method

BranNwebster · 06-29-2008, 10:46 AM

You could get you one of these.

Clarke Precision Tool 6 in. Digital Vernier Caliper - Model CMT 103 at Sears.com

I've been wanting one. Every toolbox needs one anyway.

**wrightme43** · 06-29-2008, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred

Measure from the centerline of the axle bolt the centerline of the swingarm pivot. It should be the same on both sides.

Fred

Plus 1 quick and easy way for me.

mglowe · 06-29-2008, 12:21 PM

I'm curious if the following Motion Pro Chain Alignment Tool could work. I'm really not sure if having the rear sprocket aligned with the front sprocket would ensure the wheel is aligned?

I suppose there are too many variables that could throw an alignment using this tool (damaged sprocket, bent frame/swing arm etc.).

Fred · 06-29-2008, 02:31 PM

Assuming that there is no frame damage, then either the Motion pro tool or the rechnique I mentioned will do just fine.

Sportryder's method is the most accurate, because it compensates for any twists in the frame or swingarm.

wick001 · 07-22-2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dark_isz

I usually eyeball it. I get on the ground a behind the rear wheel and spin the rear wheel checking the position of the chain on the sprocket. With a correctly aligned rear wheel, the sprocket teeth should stay in the middle of the chain openings. When the rear wheel is out of line, the teeth will be towards one side or another. Once I have eyeballed it, I go for a short ride to verify there's nothing unusual.

A more precise method for checking the rear wheel alignment is available at this link from an FZ-1 forum member.

SportRyder's Wheel Alignment Method

I have a question for you... I just tightened and aligned my chain and wheel...

I tried your method of actually looking from behind the bike, spinning the wheel to see if the chain is in the middle of the sprocket. Its a little to the right... but my right side marks are already a tad bit father than the left side marks... is this ok?

bmccrary · 07-22-2008, 01:30 PM

After adjust my chain for the first time on the FZ I must admit, Yamaha did not use their heads at all on that design.

It has got to be the worst thing ever. Everyone other bike I have ever delt with is like the FZ1 in that previous post where there is cut away in the swingarm for sliders that the axle goes through. You can see the last tic mark which gives you a reference. With ours there is no reference. You can not see how many tics back you are on each side, which made it rather challeging to make sure I was straight. It would be very easy to get the the chain 2 maybe 3 tics off...

I am going to measure from the center of the axle to the swing arm piviot next time. Its about the only way to really tell.

-bryan

**FZ6inNH** · 07-22-2008, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmccrary

After adjust my chain for the first time on the FZ I must admit, Yamaha did not use their heads at all on that design.

It has got to be the worst thing ever. Everyone other bike I have ever delt with is like the FZ1 in that previous post where there is cut away in the swingarm for sliders that the axle goes through. You can see the last tic mark which gives you a reference. With ours there is no reference. You can not see how many tics back you are on each side, which made it rather challeging to make sure I was straight. It would be very easy to get the the chain 2 maybe 3 tics off...

I am going to measure from the center of the axle to the swing arm piviot next time. Its about the only way to really tell.

-bryan

The '07-'08 model has a different adjustment system and does have tick marks, so you only need to be sure you've got each side to the proper tick then tighten only one nut for the axel since the other side is now in a locked block and needs no wrench/socket.

Yamaha did something right with the new model/swingarm!

06-29-2008, 09:53 AM	#1 (permalink)
Canada17 Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 42 Rep Power: 6 Member #402	Rear wheel alignment after chain tighten? So I changed the oil the other day. Very happy with the motul semi-synth I used and the oem filter. While doing this I also adjusted the chain tightness back to spec. But while doing this noticed that the two sides of my rear swingarm are not the same and therefore I did the 1/4 turn each side until tight method on the adjusters. Is there any way I can check to make sure my rear wheel is square in the swingarm? Any tips?

06-29-2008, 10:01 AM	#2 (permalink)
Fred M em b er e d Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Austin, TX Bike: See Signature Posts: 887 Rep Power: 26 Member #872	Re: Rear wheel alignment after chain tighten? Measure from the centerline of the axle bolt the centerline of the swingarm pivot. It should be the same on both sides. Fred __________________ I don't know anything about motorcycles, but I just love little kittens. 1990 BMW K75 Turbo (Eternal project bike) 2007 Yamaha FZ6 (Modifications: Stebel Nautilus horn, Valentine 1 hardwired with remote display and audio, Mix-It sound mixer modified for hidden installation, Mayer saddle, true dual high/low headlights. Relay, fuse panel and lockdown blocks for all additional wiring.) Pocketchop. (There are no words to describe it.)

06-29-2008, 10:08 AM	#3 (permalink)
dark_isz Fire Bringer™ Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Charleston, SC Bike: 2007 Yamaha FZ6, 1983 Honda cb650sc Nighthawk Posts: 222 Rep Power: 8 Member #182	Re: Rear wheel alignment after chain tighten? I usually eyeball it. I get on the ground a behind the rear wheel and spin the rear wheel checking the position of the chain on the sprocket. With a correctly aligned rear wheel, the sprocket teeth should stay in the middle of the chain openings. When the rear wheel is out of line, the teeth will be towards one side or another. Once I have eyeballed it, I go for a short ride to verify there's nothing unusual. A more precise method for checking the rear wheel alignment is available at this link from an FZ-1 forum member. SportRyder's Wheel Alignment Method __________________ 2007 Yamaha FZ6 - mods: Uncaged Frame Sliders, Tankslapper Tanktop Protector, Progrip tankpad, Sylvania Silverstar headlights, Dual Headlight Mod, Puig Racing Windshield, Garmain 2610GPS with RAM mount, ProGrip 719's, Yamaha Blue Seat pod fairing things, Black Spraypainted Radiator guards, Givi V46 and rack, Addmorelighting V46 lightkit, Comagination Brake light flasher, Pazzo long Blk/Titan levers, Caterpillar O-ring throttle lock

06-29-2008, 10:46 AM	#4 (permalink)
BranNwebster The UNO Master Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Webster Texas Bike: 07 Fz6 Posts: 448 Rep Power: 8 Member #2405	Re: Rear wheel alignment after chain tighten? You could get you one of these. Clarke Precision Tool 6 in. Digital Vernier Caliper - Model CMT 103 at Sears.com I've been wanting one. Every toolbox needs one anyway. __________________ If you think nobody cares about you, try missing a couple of payments.

06-29-2008, 02:31 PM	#7 (permalink)
Fred M em b er e d Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Austin, TX Bike: See Signature Posts: 887 Rep Power: 26 Member #872	Re: Rear wheel alignment after chain tighten? Assuming that there is no frame damage, then either the Motion pro tool or the rechnique I mentioned will do just fine. Sportryder's method is the most accurate, because it compensates for any twists in the frame or swingarm. __________________ I don't know anything about motorcycles, but I just love little kittens. 1990 BMW K75 Turbo (Eternal project bike) 2007 Yamaha FZ6 (Modifications: Stebel Nautilus horn, Valentine 1 hardwired with remote display and audio, Mix-It sound mixer modified for hidden installation, Mayer saddle, true dual high/low headlights. Relay, fuse panel and lockdown blocks for all additional wiring.) Pocketchop. (There are no words to describe it.)

07-22-2008, 01:30 PM	#9 (permalink)
bmccrary Future Engineer Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Bike: 2005 FZ6 Posts: 1,005 Rep Power: 17 Member #900	Re: Rear wheel alignment after chain tighten? After adjust my chain for the first time on the FZ I must admit, Yamaha did not use their heads at all on that design. It has got to be the worst thing ever. Everyone other bike I have ever delt with is like the FZ1 in that previous post where there is cut away in the swingarm for sliders that the axle goes through. You can see the last tic mark which gives you a reference. With ours there is no reference. You can not see how many tics back you are on each side, which made it rather challeging to make sure I was straight. It would be very easy to get the the chain 2 maybe 3 tics off... I am going to measure from the center of the axle to the swing arm piviot next time. Its about the only way to really tell. -bryan __________________ Bike Adventures YouTube Channel Forsyth Motosports Online Store 2009 Mileage Contest! Rider Resume

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
How to on removing rear wheel??	Mart Man FZ6	FZ6 General Discussion	2	06-01-2008 09:55 AM
Rear wheel is busted	schumy	Garage / Mechanical Help	4	04-25-2008 12:20 PM
Acebikes Steady Stand Motorcycle Front Wheel Stand - Wheel Chock Review	Admin	FZ6 News	1	02-10-2008 08:03 AM
Rear hugger / chain guard	Philoz	FZ6 Technical	7	01-19-2008 04:32 AM
WTB: Post-2006 Rear Axle & Chain Adjustment Pieces	DefyInertia	Bikes/Parts Wanted	1	01-14-2008 02:54 PM

Advertisement