How to align the rear axle correctly?

[bergermeister]

I know it sounds like a stupid question, but how are you guys aligning your rear axle correctly (08 YZ250).

The graduations on the axle block are clearly inaccurate, as the sprocket doesn't tell any lies. My new stealth sprocket doesn't look as fresh as it should after a few rides - despite using the correct chain tension and aligning the axle block graduations accordingly.

I gather the best way to set the alignment is to whip out the tape measure - any pointers for measurement reference points??

Cheers,

Berg

[ForsheeMS]

Measure from the center of the swingarm pivot bolt to the center of the axle. Once both sides are equal you're done. You are correct in the fact that the markings on the axle blocks are anything but right.

[8675309]

spin the wheel and adjust until the flat part of the chain links don't touch either side of the rear sprocket. those marks are lame.

[bikedude127]

One of the first things I bought for my YZ's were aftermarket axle blocks.. Not even for bling, but for proper and easy chain adjustment.. The OEM ones are akin to hot garbage!!

[Nosebag]

Take a straight edge and hold it flat against the rear sprocket, aim directly at the front sprocket.

[Dirty Sanchez]

Hmm, mine seem to pretty spot on. Not sure why they would be any different.

[Butta]

Take a straight edge and hold it flat against the rear sprocket, aim directly at the front sprocket.

^x2!!!!!!!!!! Works like a champ...

[bikedude127]

Hmm, mine seem to pretty spot on. Not sure why they would be any different.

The problem comes when tightening the axle bolt.. The blocks have too much up and down tolerance allowing movement when torquing the axle ?

[BRM]

I aways count the indicator marks from the back of the axle block.

By Shoving a rag in between your chain and the rear sprocket and turn the wheel backwards when tightening the axle it takes up all the slack in the axle blocks to keep it nice and tight.

An idea I have thought about but not gotten around to doing is turning up a couple of rods to fit neatly through the rear axle and the swing arm pivot bolt,

then measure the distance between them.?

[busted bones]

I use a caliper from the axle block to the inside of the swing arm where the adjuster screw comes out of, accurate down to the 1/1000th of an inch as long as its clean

[Butta]

I use a caliper from the axle block to the inside of the swing arm where the adjuster screw comes out of, accurate down to the 1/1000th of an inch as long as its clean

While that is precise, the real goal of aligning the axle is to ensure that the front and rear sprockets are indeed in alignment. Measuring off the rear sprocket would be better in eliminating other variables (like the manufacturing of the swingarm itself)....

[Dirty Sanchez]

The problem comes when tightening the axle bolt.. The blocks have too much up and down tolerance allowing movement when torquing the axle ?

Yea I could see that happening. I always look at my indicators while tightening to see if they move.

[Luv2crash]

http://www.ziptyracing.com/popups/largeview_product.aspx?id=MTM0Ng==

[Chas_M]

As an alternative to aligning the sprockets, I would suggest that it is even better to align the wheels front to back. This is best for tracking and also takes care of sprocket alignment.

[MaddogYZ]

Really, if you count from the back of the axel block it's right on. You guys are going way overboard talking about manufacturing differences.

[BRM]

Really, if you count from the back of the axel block it's right on. You guys are going way overboard talking about manufacturing differences.

Spot on, 2 minute job

[Budlite]

My Honda CRF450R is off 5mm...doesn't matter if you measure from the front or the back, I have to measure between the pivot and the axle. I've never seen anything close to this far off.

[8675309]

my 06 is inaccurate counting from front or back.

[busted bones]

My Honda CRF450R is off 5mm...doesn't matter if you measure from the front or the back, I have to measure between the pivot and the axle. I've never seen anything close to this far off.

Furthest off I've ever seen was a RMZ that was 2 alignment marks off

[Budlite]

that's about 5-6mm