Putting torque to the rear axel bolt question

[5th_bike]

[quote=Road_Clam]

Originally Posted by "5th_bike":2yywcysn

- blather blather... (eccentric rear sprocket?)...

This is a tell tale sign that your chain has stretched in certain areas and needs to be replaced. I've never seen an "eccentric" worn sprocket to cause varying chain tensions.

I've also seen siezed "kinked" chain links that can cause your described chain issue also.[/quote:2yywcysn]

Seized kinked links, not on mine.
Well there's one way to find out and I'll try it next time oiling the chain:
1) check where the chain is tightest. Note position of rear wheel.
2) rotate rear wheel one turn (360°)
3) check if chain is tightest again. If yes => It's the sprocket
OR
2) rotate rear wheel two turns plus 245° (then, the chain has gone around once)
3) check if chain is tightest again. If yes => It's the chain

[Water Warrior 2]

Just thought of this. Next time the rear wheel is off do yourself a favor and flip the axle end for end. With the nut on the left side of the bike you have better access to it and the cotter pin.

[cayuse]

Good thinking 5th! You've nicely isolated the two factors.
I like WW's idea, too. IIRC it won't upset anything to reverse the axle.

[Water Warrior 2]

Not my idea actually. Just passing around info from another source.