[elime]

Another thread was discussing front sprockets so I went to look at mine.



How much wear has to happen before replacing it? The chain and both sprocket (installed as a set) have about 15K miles on them but only the front sprocket looks really worn. The rear sprocket looks almost unworn / new and when I try to pull the chain off it per instructions in the manual (to test for wear) I am barely able to lift it at all.



Would just changing only the front sprocket destroy the chain? Personally I think not and I already have a very slightly used front sprocket to swap in there but I was wondering what others think and what their experiences have been. (And should it all fall apart I would buy two new sprockets and install my new sitting on the shelf o-ring chain. I have to add I am not planning on swapping the sprockets anytime soon.)

 

[assquatch20]

Truthfully, I've seen much worse than that. If it ain't broke (if you aren't out of adjustment room) don't fix it. And if it is out of room and the rear still looks good, couldn't hurt to throw your spare up front. You've gotten a lot of your money out of that set already.



I'll also say that it would be wise to go ahead and order all the parts you'll need for the swap (gasket, inner and outer countershaft seal, shift seal, retaining clips, bolts, and maybe replacement bolts for those zinc coil retainers + some thread lube & Permatex RTV sealant) as you'll want it all sooner or later.

 

[admiral]

This past week I replaced both stock sprockets and chain. My '05 TW has just over 6,000 miles. Should have replaced them about 1,000 miles ago. If you look close, the sprockets teeth look like they are curled enough to be a design for a tsunami evacuation signs.

 

[elime]

Assquatch20 and Admiral: From what you guys say it sounds encouraging and there is life left in my sprockets and chain. I have heard ( possibly read or dreamed) that teeth that start to bend over is due to a stretched chain.



Admiral: Given the way your sprockets look and how far I have already gone with mine I bet I have another 5K to 10K miles left in them.



Just for comparison this is what my rear sprocket looks like with approx. 15K miles on it. Possibly if I did more dirt riding it would show more wear. I envy those that have the wide open unpaved spaces at their disposal.

 

[assquatch20]

Everything looks really clean there. However, if you're getting chain binding despite cleaning and lubing it, that is a sign of it being worn. Outside of what's been mentioned, though, I'd say you're probably not going to need any for a little longer.

 

[ToyTank]

If you look close, the sprockets teeth look like they are curled enough to be a design for a tsunami evacuation signs.

Just flip the sprockets around so they wear the other direction

J/K!! J/K!!



I put a DID x-ring on my '10 with 500 miles. Both sprockets looked new although I really thought about replacing them anyway. Figure I'll do both sprockets chains and seals next time.