Single link causes chain to skip
#1
WGB
Thread Starter
Single link causes chain to skip
I have Raleigh Technium with 300 Exage
When shifting, it skipped "every so often" so I assumed it was a very small adjustment issue. I couldn't get it to shift and was resigned to a new chain and possibly a new freewheel.
I googled the issue and saw a suggestion to first see if it's just the chain. The suggestion was to pedal backwards and see if it still skips.
When I slowly pedal in reverse I found a single link sticks each time. It is sticking everytime the chain makes a complete evolution. I can't see any pin protrusion and chain is not tight. Link is flexible.

Any ideas what causes this?
I should say I don't think either the fw is the issue. I am searching for my chain checker incase chain has stretched but not sure the single link skipping would be caused by stretching (wouldn't it skip elsewhere and not just a single spot (?
When shifting, it skipped "every so often" so I assumed it was a very small adjustment issue. I couldn't get it to shift and was resigned to a new chain and possibly a new freewheel.
I googled the issue and saw a suggestion to first see if it's just the chain. The suggestion was to pedal backwards and see if it still skips.
When I slowly pedal in reverse I found a single link sticks each time. It is sticking everytime the chain makes a complete evolution. I can't see any pin protrusion and chain is not tight. Link is flexible.

Any ideas what causes this?
I should say I don't think either the fw is the issue. I am searching for my chain checker incase chain has stretched but not sure the single link skipping would be caused by stretching (wouldn't it skip elsewhere and not just a single spot (?
Last edited by WGB; 04-16-22 at 03:16 PM.
#2
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Things like this I try not to overthink. Clearly the link is the problem. You can try working it back and forth to loosen it up, but I wouldn't spend much time on it and probably just get a new chain.
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#3
Really Old Senior Member
Just bend the stiff link back & forth in the direction it's not supposed to bend.
It should loosen up.
A little lube wouldn't hurt.
It should loosen up.
A little lube wouldn't hurt.
#4
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Did you lube the sticking link? You could replace the outer link portion of the sticking pair of links with a quick link. "Quick Link" is one brand name but virtually every chain maker has their own. And as long as you keep to the same chain type, manufacturer doesn't matter.
Last edited by 79pmooney; 04-16-22 at 04:02 PM. Reason: Typo
#5
WGB
Thread Starter
Ok.
thank you. I'll try the bending trick first and if that's out I'll grab a new chain.
Sucks when one thing goes....
thank you. I'll try the bending trick first and if that's out I'll grab a new chain.
Sucks when one thing goes....
#6
Senior Member
Do you lubricate the chain regularly? I've restored the flexibility of old chains just by putting some chain lube on them and spinning them while wiping off the excess.
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#7
WGB
Thread Starter
I admit I had let it get dry as I was storing the bike where oil drips were an issue.
I might remove the chain and oil and flex it a lot and see if that fixes it
I might remove the chain and oil and flex it a lot and see if that fixes it
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#8
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Can you actually feel one of the links near the problem being stiff?
Usually wiggling and lubing the link helps. WD40 or your favorite spray lube?
If the problem occurs at the splice, then the shelf on your chain tool is designed to allow you to slightly loosen the chain pin which can help.
Usually wiggling and lubing the link helps. WD40 or your favorite spray lube?
If the problem occurs at the splice, then the shelf on your chain tool is designed to allow you to slightly loosen the chain pin which can help.
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#9
WGB
Thread Starter
It is just that one link.
I wimped out last night as it was too cold to work in garage. I'll try playing with that link and see if I can make it obey. I also ordered a new SRAM 830 but won't have it until next monday
I wimped out last night as it was too cold to work in garage. I'll try playing with that link and see if I can make it obey. I also ordered a new SRAM 830 but won't have it until next monday
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#10
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Oil!
#11
Senior Member
How many miles is on the chain? If you have too many, then I wouldn't even bother with it and get a new chain (I always get a new cassette when I buy a chain).
If there's not too much mileage and simple lubing doesn't work, then try loosening the pin with a Chain Tool (de-linker), you shouldn't have to push the pin all the way out, just a little and then push back in.
.
If there's not too much mileage and simple lubing doesn't work, then try loosening the pin with a Chain Tool (de-linker), you shouldn't have to push the pin all the way out, just a little and then push back in.
.
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#12
Senior Member on Sr bikes
Your chain tool is designed to fix this problem. Vid at this link shows how to do it.
Dan
Last edited by _ForceD_; 04-17-22 at 01:41 PM.
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#13
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that chain needs to be lubed, cleaned, & lubed again. If that doesn't resolve the issue, toss it & put a brand new chain on.
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#14
WGB
Thread Starter
I followed the advice and it worked.
It seems that since I'd stored it dried it just stuck that little bit. Now it's fine. Chain was worth saving as I doubt it had 500 miles on it.
Thank you
It seems that since I'd stored it dried it just stuck that little bit. Now it's fine. Chain was worth saving as I doubt it had 500 miles on it.
Thank you
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