I just installed sprockets its on my 5th Gen VFR. I used OEM parts. I haven't buttoned everything up yet because there's a little play (slight side to side wobble) in the front sprocket. Is there supposed to be play in the front sprocket? The bolt and washer went on smoothly. I torqued it to 38 foot pounds per the manual. Am I missing something here?
[image: 1998 VFR 800 OEM Front Sprocket]
Expand on "side to side wobble". (A) Do you mean it moves in and out on the shaft? Or (B) that it can be taken between finger and thumb and moved rotationally on the shaft? Or © that it actually will wobble in a diagonal-type movement? Pull the countershaft sprocket off and run your fingernail along the splines. If they are worn you'll be able to feel a little catch as you move from near the engine to the out end of the countershaft.
A, not a problem as long as it is very little movement.
B, much like A except ideally there should be no movement. Looseness of the splines will only worsen over time.
C. Bad.
As an aside, lube up the splines with anti-seize before installing the countershaft sprocket. Clean, dry metal-to-metal contact is about the worst thing you can have in this situation.
If you get no rotational movement of the sprocket you're good to go. A little slack (in-and-out) movement is just fine.
Consider anti-seize on the spline as cushioning between the splines of the sprocket and the splines of the countershaft. Keeps the sharp corners of the splines from starting to round off.
I'd have to go downstairs to the garage to get the book to check on the torque settings and it's my bedtime. :schla15: If somebody else doesn't post it, i dig it up tomorrow.
The countershaft will have a slight amount of end play which is what you're feeling in and out. A crankshaft also has end play but that doesn't mean it can wobble. If you had side to side play as well as end play in the countershaft it could wobble, but I'm guessing it's just in and out movement. I checked section 11 of the factory service manual on transmission re-assembly to see if there is a spec for countershaft end play, but none is listed. As long as it's not excessive, it should be fine.
There is definitely a torque spec for the 6 nuts that retain the rear sprocket to the hub. I've heard of a few instances where they have been stripped. The F.S.M. says to torque them to 25 foot pounds.
The countershaft and/or sprocket in that video is bad. That much rotational movement means that the splines are worn. You'd need to check to see which is worn. One easy way to check is to move the sprocket further out on the shaft and see if it still has rotational play. But usually it's a combination of wear on both the sprocket and shaft.
It's not going to leave you stranded, but if you keep the bike, the amount of play will only increase. After 20,000 or 30,000 miles it could get bad enough to create a problem. With rotational play like that you absolutely need to use some anti seize when reinstalling. That will slow down the wear.
The more it moves, the faster it will wear the splines, as the problem compounds itself as the sprocket slams into the splines.
Of course if you only accelerate you don't have a problem. Just don't let off the throttle. :beer:
for gods sake :huh:
just find a washer that fits over the shaft and tighten the it down.. its such a simple thing,,
yes use some anti seize for for its anti corrosion properties..aka rust :fing02: