Troubleshooting Removing a stuck front sprocket
After purchasing my first motorcycle, I decided to change the sprocket to a smaller toothed, higher quality, front sprocket to help increase acceleration and to shorten the gearing ratio. Following the service manual instructions, I got out my trusty sprocket set and found the correct impact socket for the hexagonal nut, applied the rear brake and restricted the rear wheel from moving. However, for the life of me, I could not get this front sprocket nut loose. I then attempted the method of removing the back wheel and tying the chain to the rear axle, to obtain greater leverage. However, the nut was not budging, the torque needed was for more than I could get with a standard sprocket wrench.
I then got out the longest breaker bar I could find (close to 1 metre long). I thought, the torque on this will surely loosen the sprocket bolt. Not a chance! It was as if the previous owner had welded this nut to the sprocket.
Without an impact drill at my disposal, I decided to take a step back from the problem to think of an easy, replicable solution with the tools I had on hand. I came up with a simple idea, that worked a treat. I hope it works for you!
What you’ll need
- Rotary drill
- Strong drill bit (tungsten)
- Hammer and chisel
- Gloves & safety glasses
Steps to loosen a stuck front sprocket.
Step 1
Place the motorcycle on its centre stand. Leaving the rear wheel on, the safety washer will then need to be flattened and moved out of the way. You can do this with your chisel or a flathead screw driver.
Step 2
You will need to get your rotary tool and attach a tungsten drill bit. Wearing your gloves and safety glasses, we want to make a slight indentation on the hex nut (see image below). This indentation will be used to rotate and loosen the nut.
Step 3
Get your chisel and place it on an (approx 30 deegree) angle to ensure the nut will rotate anticlockwise when it takes a strike with the hammer. When the correct position is found, and with the chisel in the indentation on a slight angle, and strike the chisel with the hammer with force, in and anticlockwise direction. Use a strong fluid motion, gradually increasing in force, until you see the bolt begin to rotate.
Step 4
Once the bolt begins to loosen, get the correct sized sprocket and loosen it by hand. The more you can avoid using the chisel and hammer, we can help to reduce the risk of potentially damaging other parts of the bike.
Step 4
Once the bolt begins to loosen, get the correct sized sprocket and ratchet and loosen it by hand. The more we can avoid using the chisel and hammer, the more we can reduce the risk of damaging other parts of the bike.
Step 5.
Take a deep breath and exhale. Feel the relief!
