When Using The Chain, If There Is "jerkiness" Or "unusual Noise", What Could Be The Possible Causes? How Should We Troubleshoot And Solve The Problem?

1. Analysis of Core Causes

1.1 Lubrication-Related Issues

• Insufficient lubrication: The chain runs out of oil for a long time, causing direct friction between metal components, which leads to dry jamming and metal friction noise.

• Improper lubrication: Using the wrong type of lubricating oil (e.g., replacing special chain oil with engine oil) or mixing dust and sand into the oil, forming "abrasives" that aggravate wear and produce noise.

1.2 Component Wear or Damage

• Chain link wear: After long-term use, the chain pins and bushings wear out, increasing gaps and causing wobbling and jamming during operation.

• Sprocket problems: Worn and sharpened sprocket teeth, deformed pitch, or damaged sprocket bearings can cause poor meshing between the chain and sprockets, resulting in tooth-jumping noise.

• Accessory failure: If the chain is equipped with guide wheels, tensioners, or other accessories, worn or stuck bearings in these parts will directly cause the chain to jam.

1.3 Installation and Positioning Deviations

• Sprocket misalignment: The driving sprocket and driven sprocket are not on the same plane, causing uneven force on the chain and lateral jamming and friction noise during operation.

• Abnormal tension: An overly loose chain is prone to tooth jumping and jamming, while an overly tight chain increases load, leading to bearing wear and noise.

2. Step-by-Step Troubleshooting and Solutions

Step 1: Check the Lubrication Status First (Easiest to Troubleshoot, Prioritize This Step)

• Troubleshooting: Observe if the chain surface is dry, rusty, or covered with obvious dust and oil stains. When rotating the chain, if it feels dry and not smooth, it can basically be determined as a lubrication problem.

• Solutions:

1. Thoroughly clean the chain with kerosene or chain cleaner to remove old oil and dirt.

2. After drying, apply special lubricating oil suitable for the scenario (e.g., chain oil for bicycles, high-temperature chain oil for industrial use), ensuring the oil penetrates into the gaps between the chain pins and bushings.

3. Wipe off excess oil on the surface to avoid dust accumulation.

Step 2: Check for Component Wear

• Troubleshooting:

• Chain: Shake a single chain link by hand. If obvious looseness is felt or the link cannot rotate flexibly, it indicates wear.

• Sprocket: Check if the tooth tips are worn down or if there are obvious grooves between the teeth. If there is axial movement or jamming when rotating the sprocket, the bearing may be damaged.

• Solutions:

• Minor wear: Temporarily alleviate the problem by changing the lubrication method (e.g., using oil with better anti-wear performance), and shorten the maintenance cycle.

• Severe wear: Replace the worn chain or sprocket directly to avoid damaging other associated components.

Step 3: Check Installation and Tension

• Troubleshooting:

• Sprocket alignment: Attach a straightedge to the side of the driving sprocket and check if it is flush with the side of the driven sprocket. Obvious deviation indicates misalignment.

• Tension: Press the middle section of the chain vertically. If the sag exceeds 1-2 cm (adjust according to the chain specifications), it is too loose; if it feels heavy and inelastic when rotating, it is too tight.

• Solutions:

• Sprocket misalignment: Adjust the position of the motor or driven shaft to ensure both sprockets are on the same plane.

• Abnormal tension: Adjust the chain tension to a reasonable range using a tensioner or by adjusting the distance between the shafts.