I need help adjusting the chain - Ducati Monster Forums: Ducati Monster Motorcycle Forum

LookingtoBuy · 09-10-2011, 07:56 PM

So I realised the chain on my 2003 ducati monster 800 needs to be loosened, I just need help going about it.
According to the service manual I have, before being able to adjust the chain, I first have to loosen the nut on the swing arm.

The problem is that after 20 minutes of trying no progress has been made in loosening the swing-arm nut. All I've been using is an adjustable wrench, should I be using a stand or power tools to do this? Or am I just not(capable of) putting enough elbow grease into it?

While writing this I realise that I've been attempting to turn it counter clockwise the whole time thanks to that nifty and possibly American only jingle "Righty tighty Lefty Loosey". If this is that case please feel free to correct me and post images of people face-palming.

I do have one other question regarding the position of the swing-arm. How should it line up? Right now it's positioned at the first groove towards the front of the bike after the gap. If that didn't make any sense due to my lack of motorcycle vocabulary please let me know and I'll try and be more clear.

Thanks for your time.

wmhayes · 09-10-2011, 08:34 PM

I don't know about the 2003 model, but the 2009 Monsters use about 80 ftlbs of torque on the nuts. That's quite a bit, so expect to take at least that much torque or more to get them loose.

tripod · 09-10-2011, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LookingtoBuy

The problem is that after 20 minutes of trying no progress has been made in loosening the swing-arm nut. All I've been using is an adjustable wrench, should I be using a stand or power tools to do this? Or am I just not(capable of) putting enough elbow grease into it?Thanks for your time.

This ain't no damn Schwinn, if you don't have sockets and a torque wrench, then yes, you are not capable of doing this work.

wmhayes · 09-10-2011, 08:51 PM

If it's really stuck, then I'd say use socket and pneumatic impact driver.

LookingtoBuy · 09-10-2011, 10:19 PM

I appreciate the replies.

As I don't have any real mechanical knowledge of motorcycles yet, how come it is necessary to loosen the swing-arm before I can loosen the chain?

Also I'm still unsure of which grove the swing arm should be positioned at, though I'm assuming it's in between the large gap.

Nubeaddict · 01-31-2012, 08:07 AM

I recently had heaps of fun (not) Doing mine first time. Was left direction to turn to undo n used ratchet n sockets n torque wrench as tripod suggests. Don't see why to undo u couldn't use ring spanners though but need torque wrench anyway to tighten to spec. I had no issue adjusting chain just when saw wheel not straight after i couldn't straighten it n ended up dropping bike trying. Apparently past mechanic hadn't installed thread n wheel correctly n that's why I couldn't straighten wheel. To keep wheel hopefully straight in first place I know others place handle of screw driver or similar into chain n turn wheel with hand backwards a bit keeping all tight + in place and or often lightly hammer short wooden plank at back of wheel while on stand to help hold in place. After my 1st experience would say b careful of making sure rear wheel straight before retightening. Also maybe breaker bar would help with undoing just adjustable wrench have higher chance of stripping the nuts. Also anti seize powder also rattler gun if all else fails

Capo · 01-31-2012, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LookingtoBuy

I appreciate the replies.

As I don't have any real mechanical knowledge of motorcycles yet, how come it is necessary to loosen the swing-arm before I can loosen the chain?

Also I'm still unsure of which grove the swing arm should be positioned at, though I'm assuming it's in between the large gap.

Then may I suggest in the interest of your well being that you take it to a dealer.

Nubeaddict · 02-01-2012, 03:26 AM

Capo prob right but if u do that how u gonna learn ever to do urself. Chain adjusting supposed to be done alot more often than servicing and is supposed to be basic. I go it wrong 1st try but only end part as stated above as mechanic fitted tyre wrong. There are u tube videos that go step by step

davlewis101 · 02-01-2012, 07:58 PM

I just took off and reinstalled my rear wheel to get the tire replaced. So of course I readjusted the chain. It's not hard, but you can do some serious damage. Not serious as in "your moto will never work again" but serious as in "it costs HOW MUCH to replace those broken chain adjusters?" The advice I'll give is use a 30mm socket for the swing arm nuts. Don't use an adjustable. Any car part store will have a 30mm socket. You might need a breaker to break the torque. Also, don't overtighten the adjuster bolts. Actually, don't tighten them at all, as they take 8lb/ft to torque them. Just retorque the swingarm nuts.

Best thing I EVER bought was desmotimes manual. Get it here http://desmotimes.com/

This guy knows what he's talking about. Only manual you'll need. WOrking on a desmo is not hard IF you take your time.

PS: you need to loosen the swingarm nuts because they keep your axle, and thus wheel, in place. Can't adjust the chain if the wheel won't move, since the chain is attached the the wheel.