What size bearings 1979 Super Chief

[L.D.Bruce]

What size bearings do I need on the rear chain slack adjusters My sproket came off the right side bearing I was able to press it back on but don't know if i should trust it or not

[George]

I've always replaced the whole idler sprocket. Cheap ones are about $20-25 at TSC. Good ones are about $70.

I think "Martins" is the name brand I'm using now and they're great but not cheap.

http://cgi.ebay.com/10020-NEW-Martin-50BB15H-5-8-Idler-Sprocket-5-8-bore-/180633840533?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a0e9dab95

[amphibious drew]

I've always replaced the whole idler sprocket. Cheap ones are about $20-25 at TSC. Good ones are about $70.

I think "Martins" is the name brand I'm using now and they're great but not cheap.

10020 NEW Martin 50BB15H 5/8 Idler Sprocket, 5/8" bore | eBay

George,

Do you ever put anything cheap on your machines. Between splined axles, springer kits, and titanium bolts, i,'ve been wondering when you were getting a carbon fiber frame. You do have some mighty fine machines though.

[L.D.Bruce]

How many teeth do I need?

[Stonewall]

Wow that's expensive for sprockets!!! I got the idlers for my Hustler at the local hardware store for $8 each. I know they're not as good as the $70 ones you mentioned, but the same $70 that got you ONE sprocket can get me 8 sprockets.....

L.D., on an idler sprocket it really doesn't matter how many teeth it has, but I would recommend getting the highest tooth count that will fit in your application. That way it's rotating at the slowest possible speed to reduce wear on the teeth and bearing.

[whipper-ag]

[Stonewall]

I just don't beileve that this $70 idler is going to outlast more than 4 of my cheap ones. They are hardened, and have good double sealed bearings. (They're not those cheesy 2 piece sprockets...) It's not that hard to change an idler....

[George]

It occurs to me that I bought a pair when I bought those Martin idlers which means they were actually $35 each (my mistake). I think that was three years ago. They're also in the Apache. Even though they're expensive, it's comforting to know that they're not cheap when I'm zipping down the track at close to 50mph.

I think I've replaced more idler sprockets than anything else (other than chain and bearings) since getting in the hobby. I have not had to do it as much since getting these Martins. The nice thing about the cheap ones are they're easy to find. If I break down while at a ride, I'm probably not too far from a TSC.

[George]

George,

Do you ever put anything cheap on your machines. Between splined axles, springer kits, and titanium bolts, i,'ve been wondering when you were getting a carbon fiber frame. You do have some mighty fine machines though.

Thanks Drew.

It's just easier to pay twice the price and have the stuff last twice or three times longer.

[L.D.Bruce]

I agree George you seen the pics of my barn a failure like that could be deadly if hitting a tree at the speed I was going. Do you think the chain breaking at the master link caused the idler failure or did the idler fail and break the chain?

[George]

I've had idlers fail but I've never had a chain break.

It seems to me that a broken idler is more likely to break a chain than the other way around.