We are often asked about how tight should Miragedrive chains and cables should be so keep reading to find out what you need to know. Its a good question because if the chains are too loose there is a possibility of damaging sprocket teeth and if they are too tight performance will be impaired.
MD180 users should be particularly mindful of not over-tightening the chains, especially the rear one. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the chain and idler cable tension to make sure its where it needs to be. If they feel a bit loose it’s probably a good idea to tighten them up by adjusting the lock nuts.
To make sure you don’t over-tighten the chains, push the pedal arms back and forth with your hands. If you are feeling resistance it’s likely the chains and or idler cable are too tight. Another way to see if they are too tight is to hold the drive in your hands and push one crank all the way forward and then let it go to alllow the fins to fall back into alignment. If the fins don’t fall back into place then one or more of those chains / cables is probably a little too tight. Keep making small adjustments until the fins fall back to the centre position freely.
A good quick way to find out if the chains are too loose is to hold each pedal crank in each hand and try and pull them apart. If there is a lot of sloppy sideways movement, chains and idler cable are likely too loose (also check the drum bolts are sufficiently tightened as well). The best way to know if your chains are too loose is to examine each chain and cable individually.
Factory built drives are usually spot on out of the packet, so check this when you buy your kayak so you can get a feel for how tight they should be. The front chain is marginally tighter than the rear chain (more important for MD180 drives). Check chain tension regularly. If a particular chain or cable tends to become loose on a recurring basis, the 1/4″ nylock nuts securing them might need to be replaced. While not essential, it’s also a good idea to use a bit of Loctite on the threads to help keep nuts in place.
Each chain and cable should be somewhat taught, but not over-tightened. If any of your chains cables can be pulled free of the drum they are too loose. Check how much sideways free play you have in the chains where the cable meets the swage (example above). Anything from 3 to 4mm in sideways play is about right for the front chain, 4-5mm for the rear chain and idle cable. Adjust fin tension by turning the 1/4″ nylock nuts that secure the chains and to the drum. If a particular chain or cable tends to become loose on a recurring basis, the 1/4″ nylock nuts securing them might need to be replaced.
When reinstalling chains and idler cable start with the front chain first, rear chain second and idler cable last. Make necessary adjustments to tension on each chain / cable when they are all in place. The rear chain should have the least amount of tension of all, particularly on MD180 drives.
If you think your chains and cables need attention and you’re not confident in getting it right the best advice we can give you is to take it to an authorized dealer
