Lots of noise from new chain

[Cambirder]

I just changed my chain after 4000 km, and the new one has introduced a whole heap of noise from the drive train. Thought it might be too tight so slackened it off, still lots of noise that was not there before. Put the old one back on just in case the noise was the result of riding through water at the week-end but that worked fine.

I did reverse the front sprocket, but not the back which should have little wear on it after just 4k. The chain is a KMC x8.93 which should be perfectly OK for a Rohlhoff. The only thing I can think of is that it needs a good lube but I've never had to do that with a new chain before.

Anyone got any suggestions before I try a 3rd chain?

[bobs]

Check the rear sprocket. My mate changed everything and thought it was the hub. Took it to local specialist who stopped it was the rear sprocket straight away.

Bob

[Cambirder]

The rear sprocket is fine but it seems this 8 speed chain is not happy on a Rohlhoff. It makes nasty grinding noises so I put on a cheaper but duller Sram chain that I was going to put on my wifes commuter. It works fine and the KMC has been fitted to the commuter where it seems happier.

[Andre Jute]

Odd. I use the X8 on the Rohloff and it seems fine. The first one was changed at 4605km (I'm heavy on chains by the standards of everyone else here) and has been run in the conditions you describe, i.e. with no added lube, just the factory lube, and without turning over the sprocket which seems good as new. No noise with the original chain wheel (cheap steel crankset from India, not visibly worn at all) or the new chain wheel (Surly stainless) fitted recently.

The KMC X8 is fitted on Rohloff-equipped bikes by several upmarket European makers, though in the current economic climate some of them, trying not to raise prices, and therefore cutting back a bit on component quality, have started fitting the cheaper Z8. At retail, the price difference is marginal, and in fact some places the Z8, being in lesser demand, is priced higher than the X8. Go figure.

Andre Jute

[Cambirder]

Sounds like it could be a one off, but I can't figure out why any chain apart from a well rusted one would behave this way on such a simple set up, especially when it is now working fine on a much older derailier set up.

I only reversed the chainring to even out the wear between chains. Will eventually replace that with a stainless steel ring.

[sireatalot]

A friend of mine had awful noise from a rear sprocket after fitting a new chain, the Rohloff sprocket had cracked (manufacturing fault) and was only noticeable with a nice new (and tightened up) chain.

[Cambirder]

This is very strange, got the same issue with the latest chain (cheepo Clarks 7speed). Rear sprocket reversed (no crack detected), chainring shows no obvious sign of wear and reversing it akes no difference. The chain is adjusted as per the Rohloff manual.

Maybe I really need to take a closer look at that rear sprocket.

[geocycle]

I reversed both front and back rings after 10000 miles.  But the new chain just didn't sound right and after some fiddling I replaced both rings in the end. There must be an optimum amount if wear you can get away with and I'd missed that point.

[Cambirder]

I just reversed the rear sprocket again and it's running nice and smooth on the side with wear which is odd. I will change it out for the next change, maybe with a surley stainless steel chain ring.

[Andre Jute]

These glitches without an obvious cause are always the worst time-wasters. -- Andre Jute