Wed, 21 Jul 1999 17:13:15 +0200 - Message No. 6056
From: "Dirk De bruyn"

Subject: Front sprocket axis


Hi,

My '96@ has about 55.500Km on the ODO.
Since a couple of days I always hear a "cracking" when accelerating in lower
gears, as if my chain was way to loose.  But this was not the case.
Actually, for the first time my dealer has checked the chain tension (at
54.500km) and tension is now stronger than I normally have it.
When I checked, there is some margin on the axis of the front sprocket.  So
I put the bike on a stand and moved my wheel, result: I could hear the
cracks coming out of the engine somewhere.  When putting my hand on the
front sprocket I feel it's not rotating smoothly, I feel 'clicks'.

I suppose the bearings are worn out.
I always hoped I would avoid damage like this by keeping chain tension low
...

Will this cost me a lot?
I need the bike every day to go to work; so do I have to race to my dealer
now, can further damage occur?

Dirk




www@atic.org