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Drivetrain noise
For the last 2500 miles I've run an 11 speed ultegra di2 drivetrain without issue. However, the chain is too worn to continue and took the cassette with it, so I replaced both - the chain with a wipperman 11speed, the cassette with a 105 11speed. Same ratios (or as close as possible).
The ultegra drivetrain was absolutely silent, but its replacement has a loud "glistening" sound that I can't solve. It also doesn't index quite as quickly, usually in the smallest cogs.
Is this likely to be the chain, cassette, or both? I've done about 200 miles on them and they show no sign of quietening down. I don't mind going back to ultegra but if there's a simple fix I'm unaware of I'd rather try that first. Hub is a Royce ultralight, it had no spacers on the ultegra cassette and has none on the 105 either.
If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.
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22 comments
I had shifting and noise issues with an Ultegra drive chain on a second handbike once. I replaced all manner of things at some expense but to no avail. Then I applied some of the contents of a £10 bottle of Morgan Blue race oil and all my issues disappeared.
Lessons learned: (1) always do the cheap things first; (2) a well lubricated drive train is a happy drive train.
Im not one to snipe at posters on here at all..but my 1st thing would have been to clean the rear mech..it does look industrially dirty...and looking at the chain pic..it has picked up LOTS of crud, clearly from the rear mech.. remove..soak in diesel for 45mins..toothbrush and presto..everythings like new..and I say this with the best intentions...I, until recently had the exact issue...but regular removal/cleaning of chain/cassette has totally killed the problem...I bought my own tools to do it... well worth the investment.
I use wippermann connex chains but only in the 8 and 10 speed varieties so far. I haven't noticed any lack of lube when new. I've used about 4 or 5 on various bikes and all have run smoothly from the off.
Clean that rear mech young man!
OK I'm officially an idiot. Today before I went out I dripped a few drops of oil onto the chain to see what difference it'd make. The chain became utterly silent.
This is a marked contrast to other chains, which I've never had to oil out of "the box", so I can only guess that Wippermann use a slightly more viscous grease on their chains than other manufacturers. Am I alone in not oiling new chains?
Thanks for all the help everyone.
You're not alone in that - Shimano chains come nicely lubricated and you'll get a couple of hundred km out of them before having to break out the lubes.
Me personally, I've always used Shimano chains to replace worn ones. The factory lube is okay; I don't feel the need to immediately strip it out with degreaser like some people will tell you to, but neither do I feel like it should remain on there for more than two rides, or around 50 km.
But yeah, I'm with you both in that I don't immediately lube new chains.
Sure. I should add I've replaced dozens of chains before, old Sachs PC41s, Shimano 9 speeds, SRAM 10 speeds, KMC, etc. This combination is just oddly a bit noisier than I think it should be, although perhaps the Ultegra cassette/chain combo is just incredibly quiet. I don't think I've made any schoolboy errors.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/soundman/25917076583/in/dateposted-friend/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/soundman/26494011596/in/dateposted-friend/
Can you post a pic of how the chain is threaded between the jockey wheels of the rear derailleur?
Ok I'm back home, this is the chain:
http://www.connexchain.com/en/product/connex-11s0.html
This is the cassette:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-105-5800-11-speed-cassette/
The chain isn't hitting any plates in the derailleur. Here's a pic.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/soundman/26519746315/in/photostream/
It still has the factory grease on, perhaps I should remove that and oil it as usual. It does feel a little sticky.
/edit: oh I just noticed the connex link was upside down, that would explain the odd clicking in 22nd gear, so I've fixed that. Chain still a bit noisy though.
The two chains have the same number of links, when I lay them together I just keep an eye on the degree of stretch and work out where things should be. I'm away at the moment but another thought is that perhaps the wippermann chain is directional and I have it on backwards?
A used chain won't be the same length as when it was new. Try properly measuring your chain - YouTube helps - and then count the links. Note the number down. Job done (for that set-up).
If it is longer by a pair of links (inner and outer) someone is doing something very wrong.
Agreed. But it's just as unlikely you'll be able to measure a new chain to exactly the same length. Something's not quite right...
Thanks, I am away working but I will check on Monday and report back.
Change the chain. Those Wipperman chains are a bit basic IMO.
People might laugh but I also reckon that Ultegra cassettes are notably quieter than 105, maybe its the machining or the finish, not sure.
Ahem, I might have done this myself on occasion...
.
Like what guyrwood said. Just fixed this exact same self inflicted mechanical issue.
'Glistening' is not the exact word that I would of used but it is very apt and I have no poetry in my soul.
Check the chain is threaded through the rear derailleur properly. Sounds like it might be riding over part of the plate.
I had that one time. Threaded a new chain on, got distracted by my kids trying to kill each other, then closed it all up. Wondered what the odd noise was, then realised I'd sort of threaded the chain on the outside of the derailleur cage...
"Glistening" is an unusal word to decribe a noise. What comes to mind is excessive chain links. Did you measue the new chain against the old? And, 105's are third tier so you are not going to get the same refinement as Ultegra or DA.
I always replace chains by laying them together on the floor before I shorten the new one. This new one is the exact same length as the old.