KMC missing link issue
 

Hi there
I recently put a KMC 11sp missing link on an 11sp campy chorus chain and I'm getting a slight "skip/clunk" as the link comes over the top of the rear cassette. No other areas of issue...just the rear cassette. It's an 11sp chorus cassette as well...tightened correctly/etc.

Any ideas?

Use a different connecting method/link. maybe a Connex. Andy

Some website had a sale going and I got a bunch of the SRAM ones for $1.40 each. They seem to work fine in a Shimano chain.

I use KMC Missing Link in all of my Campy chains. Never had a problem.

Lube the link, lube the links on either side, move the links by hand (I mean jiggle it up and down) and that should loosen/free up the Missing Link and the adjacent ones. That should take care of your issue.

Good luck. :thumb:

There may be a slight difference in the width of inner links between Campy and Shimano/KMC 11s chains. So IF your link is a bit narrow for the chain, it might bind slightly rather than bending onto sprockets smoothly.

Over time, wear will solve the problem, but in the meantime, you'll need to use the best lube you can and hope for the best.

Note I said may and if, because offhand I don't know the specific details involved.

I first tried a KMC MissingLink on my Shimano chain, and it skipped exactly as yours is. Looking at the KMC link, it does not have the chamfering in the mid-section of the plates it should have. It is a "fail" design. I then got a Sram PowerLink. Looking at it, I could see that it was indeed chamfered as it is supposed to be, and it worked perfectly. So do yourself a favor, throw the KMC in the trashcan where it belongs, and get yourself a Sram PowerLink instead. :thumb:

Are you sure it is tight?

Rotate the cranks so that the link is on top, between the cassette and cranks, then stand on the pedal to tighten.


-Tim-

Assuming you tried lubing that link; next idea would be to try another link.. most folks by these by the half dozen so hopefully you have another you can try?

This is what the KMC link should look like. What chamfering is missing/being discussed?

Interesting, I see that 11 speed is properly chamfered. However, strangely, the 10 speed and below links are not. Perhaps the OP doesn't have an 11 speed link, or didn't install it correctly. Regardless, the Sram PowerLink has a deeper and more correct chamfering.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....1hHOxVjW5L.jpg
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....L._SL1000_.jpg

I don't know how compatible KMC links are with Campy chains but I have three different KMC 10-speed links installed on 10-speed Shimano chains with 10-speed Shimano cassettes and they all work fine. Shifting is excellent and they run quietly.

It isn't installed correctly/fully. Very common.

Stand on the pedal to tighten, that's all.

Hey folks! Thanks for all of the great info. I'll certainly try over-greasing the link. I do notice it's not there initially, then it shows up, so perhaps a periodic greasing is in order.

The links are in fact installed properly, and I can feel the additional "Click" when I apply great force upon installation. I never take it out of the stand without making sure it's locked down tight when I put it on.

Now, is there a specific direction that the link should be facing? I remember back in the day Connex links used to be positioned one way for 9sp, another for 10sp. Maybe that's another oversight.

Don't think direction matters. One reason i posted a photo above is so you can verify you have a part that exactly matches. fwiw it's possible there are counterfeits out there.

Tightening it on the stand is not good enough.

Stand on the pedal.


-Tim-

Or buy the KMC or Park Tool installation tool. :D

I'll check, but you know, that's a good point. I never really looked too closely at it!