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Old 04-01-24, 09:16 AM
  #1  
jackb
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Chain replacement problem

I changed the chain on my 2018 Domane SL 5 disc with 105 components. I installed an Ultegra chain. Now the chain makes noise and back pedaling is noisy and not smooth. Are the 105 comoponents not compatible with the Ultegra chain?
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Old 04-01-24, 09:31 AM
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Your chain isn't "worn in" with your cassette and chain ring so that is why you are hearing noise. If the noise doesn't go away after awhile then replace the cassette and possibly the chain ring. If the bike is 6 years old and has lots of miles, it may be time to do that anyway.
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Old 04-01-24, 10:00 AM
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I don't know know if it applies to your chain, but I believe some chains are "directional".
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Old 04-01-24, 12:22 PM
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Yes it could be directional it should not be making and noise other than normal.
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Old 04-01-24, 12:52 PM
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agree on the above - by all means reverse the chain and see if that helps.

Also if your bike is a 1 by (Single chainring) there is a possibility that the narrow / wide teeth are not clocked correctly with regard to the chain.

not sure if that applies to your bike

/markp
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Old 04-01-24, 12:54 PM
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As people have said some chains are directional but also if you put a new chain on a worn cassette it can also cause noise and shifting issues. Depending on wear it could be time for a new chainring as well. What I recommend is making sure the chain is on correctly but also you might replace that cassette and I would also remove your derailleurs and clean them well as well as chainring (if not need replacement) and just get your drivetrain nice and clean so you aren't wearing things out prematurely and you have better shifting.
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Old 04-01-24, 01:33 PM
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Originally Posted by jackb
I changed the chain on my 2018 Domane SL 5 disc with 105 components. I installed an Ultegra chain. Now the chain makes noise and back pedaling is noisy and not smooth. Are the 105 comoponents not compatible with the Ultegra chain?
Are you sure you threaded the chain on the correct side of the retention tab on the pivot arm of the rear derailleur?
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Old 04-01-24, 02:08 PM
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Originally Posted by oldbobcat
Are you sure you threaded the chain on the correct side of the retention tab on the pivot arm of the rear derailleur?
Yup. Common mistake
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Old 04-01-24, 02:42 PM
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Originally Posted by oldbobcat
Are you sure you threaded the chain on the correct side of the retention tab on the pivot arm of the rear derailleur?
Yeah, it is quite easy to route the chain on the wrong side of the tab next to the top / guide pulley.
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Old 04-01-24, 02:59 PM
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As long as it's for the same number of speeds on the rear, 105, Ultegra and Dura Ace matches up in almost every case. The Shimano chains want the plates that have Shimano on them facing out to the right side of the bike. Doesn't matter if upside down or not.

Did you clean the cassette real well? Usually gunky cassettes are quieter. So maybe you are just hearing the sounds of cleanliness.

What's it doing when you backpedal? Have you looked at it while you are backpedaling? If the top run of chain is going slack that might be some other issues.

You sized the chain to the proper length?
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Old 04-01-24, 03:35 PM
  #11  
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I neglected to notice that I threaded the chain on top of the tab instead of under it. I rethreaded it correctly and now the crank turns smoothly without the problem noise. Thanks to all of you for getting me on the right track. I must have examined that darn derailleur a half dozen times and never noticed the problem.
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Old 04-01-24, 04:42 PM
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I've done that more often than I care to admit :-)
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Old 04-01-24, 04:52 PM
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I did that yesterday.
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Old 04-03-24, 04:25 PM
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Originally Posted by John Nolan
I've done that more often than I care to admit :-)
So have I.
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Old 04-03-24, 04:31 PM
  #15  
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Originally Posted by jackb
I neglected to notice that I threaded the chain on top of the tab instead of under it. I rethreaded it correctly and now the crank turns smoothly without the problem noise. Thanks to all of you for getting me on the right track. I must have examined that darn derailleur a half dozen times and never noticed the problem.
I think probably most of us have done something like that at one point or another. It is usually little things that cause great problems but are easy to fix. Routing issue, QR skewer not properly installed, missing a magnet (for some e-bikes and their speed sensors), a spacer is missing something like that.
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