sch
05-06-11, 09:52 AM
Cautionary tale: Our Macchiatto has had its eccentric in and out several
times and adjusted since 8/07 but not for the last year. Recently we tried
to loosen to adjust the timing chain and the R side allen screws (8M diameter,
4M allen) would not budge. L side easy in and out. Removed the BB to
improve access and allow socket wrench allen to be used-it broke. Had
previously twisted through 5-15D the long handled allens I had, so ordered
a Proto 3/8" metric socket set and for good measure two 5/32 Proto impact
sockets as 4M and 5/32 allens are only 0.001" different in size. The impact
socket twisted and bent a little but did free the allen set screws. No
corrosion or loctite involved, but no lube either. All threads in good condition.
Thoroughly slobbered grease over all moving parts and reassembled with
all hunky dory. Lesson: lube those set screws!! Eccentric is heavily anodized
aluminum, set screws steel, plated and high quality as the sockets did not
deform under the torque required which twisted three allens and broke a 4th.
Pix attached. https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/webUpload?uname=112353696538740060697&aid=5603625253136172321
times and adjusted since 8/07 but not for the last year. Recently we tried
to loosen to adjust the timing chain and the R side allen screws (8M diameter,
4M allen) would not budge. L side easy in and out. Removed the BB to
improve access and allow socket wrench allen to be used-it broke. Had
previously twisted through 5-15D the long handled allens I had, so ordered
a Proto 3/8" metric socket set and for good measure two 5/32 Proto impact
sockets as 4M and 5/32 allens are only 0.001" different in size. The impact
socket twisted and bent a little but did free the allen set screws. No
corrosion or loctite involved, but no lube either. All threads in good condition.
Thoroughly slobbered grease over all moving parts and reassembled with
all hunky dory. Lesson: lube those set screws!! Eccentric is heavily anodized
aluminum, set screws steel, plated and high quality as the sockets did not
deform under the torque required which twisted three allens and broke a 4th.
Pix attached. https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/webUpload?uname=112353696538740060697&aid=5603625253136172321
Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.