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Chain adjusters

Submitted by roger_green on Mon, 29/04/2024
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Commando
Dear all, I would appreciate some guidance with this one. It's not very easy to see from the attached photo but I can't turn the welded adjuster nut because it fouls the big axle washer. The adjusters are after market stainless steel items. I would have thought that with everything slackened off I should be able to fine tune the chain tension in the normal straightforward way. Thanks   Roger
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DSCF2592.JPG

Submitted by ian_richtsteig on Mon, 29/04/2024

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Turn the o.d. of the washer to just clear the hexagon on the adjuster. Not much would need to be removed looking at the photo.

Submitted by dave_taylor on Mon, 29/04/2024

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Either the wheel spindle nut reduced section diameter is too small or the end stop on the adjuster bolt is to short. Have you though of chamfering the edge of the adjuster bolt hex that's catching the washer?

Submitted by george_farenden on Mon, 29/04/2024

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Hi, I'm sure the originals had a reduced size hex to overcome this issue - featherbed ones certainly did. Surely one of the various parts suppliers has them with the correct thread for a Commando? Regards,  George 

Submitted by philip_hannam1 on Mon, 29/04/2024

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How about a 0.10" smaller diameter washer under the head of the axle. That should give the adjuster hex nut enough clearance all round.

Submitted by alan_osborn on Mon, 29/04/2024

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The original adjuster bolt had a 1/8 Whit head. Nasty fiddly thing. Any improvement in this area must be worthwhile. (Royal Enfield snail cams come to mind)

Submitted by ian_goodhall on Mon, 29/04/2024

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Featherbed frames used reduced head adjusters but Commando doesn't. The head should be 1/2 inch AF. Either take some metal off the washer or off the edge of adjuster hex nearest spindle.  

Submitted by gordon_robertson on Mon, 29/04/2024

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On my 1974 850 MK2 the chain adjuster head size is 7/16" and the lock nut 1/2" spanner fit. This is as fitted by the factory and correct as I've owned the bike since new. You have aftermarket junk, send them back for a refund.   

Submitted by stan_thomas on Mon, 29/04/2024

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Here are some numbers from original parts on a 1974 850 Mk2a:
  • Diameter of spindle at adjuster: 0.86"
  • Diameter of spindle washer: 1.125"
  • Height of adjuster bolt beyond hex 'nut' towards spindle: 0.15"
  • Adjuster hex size: 1/2" AF
The clearance between adjuster and spindle washer is small but sufficient to slide a piece of paper thru - using the numbers above you will get 17 thou.

From your picture, it looks like the spindle has been reduced too far. You could modify the adjuster by turning (as in - in a lathe) the hex 'nut' back to give you the clearance you need.

 

 


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