Hi guys!

Just a quick and easy question... I have noticed an increase in vibration on my XT660r. When stripping down, i see that the chain has been polished on the outside facing links, top and bottom as if it's rubbing against something! On inspection i assume it's from the chain guides??? Also while checking that everything is secured and in good condition i notice that there is some play on my back sprocket! Is this right? Or is this a wheel bearing problem? There doesn't seem to be any play on the wheel itself! Any advise will be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks in advance!!!

With the symptoms you describe, it sounds to me like your sprocket carrier bearing is shagged.

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Cush drive rubbers.

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http://www.freewebs.com/my2wheels/

McFly - I think you might need to clarify what you mean by “play” in the sprocket.

If you grab the sprocket with both hands at 9 o'clock and 3 o’clock and pull and push alternately with your right and left hands and it waggles, or has play, then it is the sprocket carrier bearing that is at fault.

If what you mean is the that sprocket turns some distance before it engages with the rear wheel, then (like Nick suggests) it is more than likely the cush rubbers and knackered.

Both are linked; more often than not, the sprocket carrier bearing fails because the bike has been ridden for a long time with badly worn cush drive rubbers.

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Hi guys... Thank you for your speedy response! The play i was referring to is indeed both scenarios you mentioned. An inward and outward movement when pushing and pulling the spricket at 9 and 3! And there is play before it engages! Well my bike is 5 years old now and done 53 000km so i suppose they have done well since I have never changed them! Whats strange though is I have just had new front and rear sprockets and a new chain fitted.. Shouldn't the bike shop have picked up the issue when replacing the rear sprocket?

Erm... Yes they should've!

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I would be surprised if Cush drive rubbers lasted more than 10,000 km

They are cheap and easy to replace. Your bike will be transformed once you swap them.

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Check your cush rubbers first - easy to do. If they're fine - As said before - probably bearing is gone.

I would check the bearing. Unlikely the cush drive will throw the sprocket so far out of alignment as to wear one side of the chain.

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Touratech big guard. Yamaha handlebar guards. Pivot Pegz. Yam main stand. Camel Toe. 30 mm risers. 14 tooth front sprocket. Big balls. Old and not wise.