228
« on: 02 October 2012, 06:31:32 am »
If the nut is secure and you're not intending changing the front sprocket I'd leave it where it is.
If the bike has never had a front sprocket change and the nut hasn't been affected by sprocket chatter (and as far as I can tell most bikes aren't affected) then you will find that the nut is very tight and difficult to undo.
First time I changed the front sprocket I ended up using a 240V impact driver. I think it cost around £45.00 from Machine Mart.
In any event it worked a treat, but don't use one to tighten the nut up unless it has torque settings.
When I put a new sprocket on I used 'bearing fit' on the output shaft splines and locktite on the nut along and a smear of grease between the tab washer and the sprocket.
If there is a problem with the nut and it's not tight, consider this:
I reckon the reason why the problem with the front sprocket nut exists is as follows:
Minor play between the sprocket and shaft, due to shaft or sprocket being machined out of tolerance.
Nut tightened up on the sprocket.
Sprocket moves fractionally back and forward, and because the nut is tight to it, so does the nut.
Nut threads wear out as do the shaft threads.
Possible solution: Grind down the over-lap of the nut so it tightens up on the shaft and not on the sprocket.
In essence it should be flush with the sprocket but not tightening up against it.
Ideally make sure there's a layer of grease between nut / security washer / sprocket.