Preciso de uma nova roda dentada? Veja como descobrir

Do I need a new sprocket? Here's how to find out

When your roller chain needs replacing, it's easy to find out: take a tape measure and check the length. Easy. Simple. Knowing when to replace a sprocket can be a little more difficult.

Unfortunately, there is no simple measurement you can take, nor is there a light that comes on to warn you that the sprocket is going bad. Ideally, we want to catch any problems that lead to failure before they happen.

Worn sprocket teeth are sticky. They hold the chain longer than necessary. Sometimes the chain can even climb onto the teeth. This interaction will make a lot of noise. Some people wait until they notice an increase in noise to change sprockets, but we don't recommend this.

When the roller chain gets caught in the sprockets, it damages the sprockets and the chain. Waiting to resolve this problem can quickly turn a sprocket problem into a chain drive problem. It's not ideal. But how do you know when it's time to change the sprocket?

What should your sprocket look like?

You put a new sprocket in and the drivetrain was fine, but now you see the chain sticking. What happened? Some wear and tear is to be expected over time, but if your sprockets are wearing out faster than expected, it's time to do some digging. Consider alignment and lubrication first.

The roller chain sprocket design promotes load sharing between all teeth engaging the chain at any given time. As the chain wraps around the sprocket, it touches each tooth in three places. First, the roller will fall into the ravine between the teeth (A). It then wraps around the work surface (B) and is guided off the top of the tooth (C).

Pinion engagement positions

For a new sprocket on a well-assembled transmission, this process is smooth, even, and starts smoothly. Of course, nothing stays new forever. As the chain drive moves, the rollers continue to hit the sprocket in the same places. This repeated contact, over time, will begin to wear the pinion on the working face (point B), giving the teeth a hook shape.

You're addicted. And now?

If you installed the sprocket a long time ago, it is probably starting to show signs of wear. When the teeth begin to lose their original shape, the chain drive becomes noisier, a strong sign that something is wrong. So how can we tell if the sprocket is worn without making noise? Well, this is where a good maintenance program comes into play.

Sprocket wear

Inspect your unit and take a close look at the health of the sprocket. See the beginning of the wear pattern? If yes, now is the right time to change it, before it affects the health of your roller chain. Scheduled maintenance is essential and can help you avoid a potential shutdown.

As a general rule, a sprocket will typically last three roller chain applications. If regular maintenance inspections reveal significant signs of wear before this period arrives, there may be more significant issues at play in the unit.

Why not wait?

The main reason you want to keep up with maintenance is to protect your roller chain. Replacing a sprocket is easier than installing a completely new chain drive. Allowing a worn sprocket to run without checking can lead to unexpected failures and downtime, which always seem to occur when it is most inconvenient. By catching unusual signs of wear early, you can avoid serious headaches in the future.

Worn teeth may not be as easy to identify as a stretched roller chain, but a worn sprocket is preventable. As long as you keep an eye on your maintenance schedule, your unit should run smoothly and effectively for a long time.

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