Chain Sprocket Lifespan: Double and Reduce Maintenance Cost
Introduction:
In this blog, I have written my personal experience about increasing my chain and sprocket lifespan to double and saving maintenance costs around 50%. For detail please read once, follow my tactics and share with a bike lover. When I touched 10,000 KM with my bike (Yamaha FZS V 2.0), I noticed some uneven stiff noise from my chain sprocket and a drop in mileage as well as the performance of my bike. I brought my bike to the service center and the mechanic did chain cleaning and advised me to replace the chain sprocket. |
| Chain Sprocket Image by Republica from Pixabay |
The cost of replacement of chain sprocket was INR 1600 and during 15,000 KM chain cleaned at the service center 10-12 times (average 1500 KM/chain cleaning).
Hence, during this time I paid INR 150*10 = INR 1500 for chain cleaning and another INR 1600 for new chain sprocket replacement.
I was very sad. And then decided to clean the chain by self.
I went to the market and purchased WD-40 (400ml) and Castrol chain lube (400ml) which cost me around INR 750.
During every 1000-1200 KM, I cleaned my chain. During the rainy season, my cleaning was frequent compared to normal weather conditions.
The procedures I followed:
- 1st, Take a bike for normal washing at the washing center.
- Instruct the washerman to wash the chain with a pressurized water jet.
- After reaching home. I sprayed WD-40 to my chain and left it for 10 min.
- After 10 min, cotton waste rubbed out the chain so that rust, grit, and dirt can be cleaned properly.
- And then, used chain lube spray in the internal portion of the chain. (Try to spray in a way that the lube did not influence the rim and the rear tyre.)
- During the time of servicing, I never used chain cleaning by a mechanic at the service center.
- By applying these simple procedures I have covered 30,000 KM without any problem.
- Due to the fear of sudden breakage to chain by wear I replaced my chain sprocket again while it never hurt me during this 30,000 KM compared to 1st 15,000 KM.
Detailed Cost calculation attached herewith:
Chain Sprocket Cost Calculation
The cost of 1st 15,000 KM was INR 3100 with uncomfortable riding.
And the cost of 2nd & 3rd 15,000 KM was a total of INR 3150 with smooth riding and better mileage.
Conclusion:
In this way, I doubled the lifespan of my chain and sprocket from 15,000 KM to 30,000 KM while the cost was 50% low compared to the first 15,000 KM.
Important tips:
- You should always oil a chain on the inner circumference of the side that faces the sprockets.
- Always spray lube after chain cleaning
- WD-40 and other thin sprays are intended more as solvents than lubricants. They evaporate quickly.
- For the longest service life, lubricate often.
- Always keep your chain properly tensioned, neither too tight nor too slack.
- Clean the grit so that the formation of kinks can be eliminated.
Note: I park my bike in a moderately dusty open area for 8 hours daily.
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