1/2" x 1/8" chain produces chattering noise - uh?

[swee'pea99]

I got a new chain for my fixie, but when I ride it, any time I push hard on the pedals I get a sort of chattering noise. I think it's coming from the rear sprocket area, though it's hard to be sure. Anyone have any idea what could be producing this? Not that I have any great problem with fitting a regular chain, it's just that I'd heard the heavier one was likely to be more robust, and better able to handle the stresses and strains of braking and the like.

 

[raleighnut]

I got a new chain for my fixie, but when I ride it, any time I push hard on the pedals I get a sort of chattering noise. I think it's coming from the rear sprocket area, though it's hard to be sure. Anyone have any idea what could be producing this? Not that I have any great problem with fitting a regular chain, it's just that I'd heard the heavier one was likely to be more robust, and better able to handle the stresses and strains of braking and the like.

Worn rear sprocket.

 

[swee'pea99]

Ah! That figures. I can't see any real sharks-tooth, but I have been riding that sprocket for a few years, come to think of it, and the chain I just took off was well worn. And as it happens, I have a spare sprocket somewhere in the shed. I shall dig it out & see if that solves the problem. Thanks.

 

[Citius]

Your chain may be running too tight..

 

[mjr]

I think other possibilities include the chain needing lube and the rear sprocket being 3/32" not 1/8".

 

[swee'pea99]

Thanks. I don't think it's a too-tight chain - I've run like that in the past, and know the sound it produces...this is much more loud & inyerface. And the rear sprocket 3/32" possibility had been my first thought...indeed, I'd almost decided to buy a 3/32" chain. But I think I'm going to at least try the new sprocket first, and see if that sorts it.

 

[Ian H]

Sometimes they'll wear in after a few rides, but that might have an impact on the life of the chain.

 

[MossCommuter]

What @Ian H said but also check rear wheel is centred properly

 

[fossyant]

New sprocket. I change chain and sprocket each year. Chainging just the chain can lead to the chatter if the sprocket is worn enough.

 

[swee'pea99]

Ok, new one silver, old one dirty black - is it excessively worn?

Assuming the answer's yes, how the hell can I get the damn thing off? I've tried plus-gassing the ring, but it refuses to budge...

 

[Ian H]

I presume you know the lock-ring is left-hand thread.

 

[swee'pea99]

You mean it screws off 'the wrong way'? I need to go clockwise?

 

[Ian H]

Yup. Opposite way to the sprocket.

 

[swee'pea99]

Um...forgive me if I'm being a total numpty, but I'm baffled. This is just an ordinary old free-wheel type wheel. As far as I know/can remember, there's only one thread...so how can the lock-ring (pinched, if I remember rightly, from an old bottom bracket) screw the other way? I'm not doubting what you say, just wondering if some specialised fixie wheels (such as the kind that come with flip-flop hubs) do have an inner screw for the sprocket, and an outer 'backwards' one for a lock ring. Thanks for sticking with me.

Oh, and by the way, would you say the old one is worn & needs replacing and is probably if not definitely responsible for the chattering noise?

 

[swee'pea99]

Is this a reverse-thread? Sorry, I shd be able to work it out but I'm hopeless at this sort of thing & I don't want to wreck anything by doing it t'wrong way round...