rbent Forum - Print Page

rbent Forum
https://rbentonline.org/YaBB.pl
General Category >> Technical >> RANS X-Stream TerraCycle Idler Retainer
https://rbentonline.org/YaBB.pl?num=1350249454

Message started by jayg on Oct 14^th, 2012, 4:17pm

Title: RANS X-Stream TerraCycle Idler Retainer
Post by jayg on Oct 14^th, 2012, 4:17pm

The latest problem I've had with my X-Stream, since JimFPU contaminated it by installing a surrey top on it while it was in his possession, is the loss of the idler retainer/chainkeeper somewhere at WRL. The stock retainer is a rubber assembly that expands into the I.D. of the hollow idler shaft when the screw in it is turned clockwise. Decided to fabricate a retainer from aluminum, since the stock rubber retainer deteriorates, after extended contact with chain lubricant.

http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af339/jayg_2010/DSC00639.jpg

Idler shaft and removed TerraCycle idler.

http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af339/jayg_2010/DSC00640.jpg

Initial turning of idler retainer assembly on my Atlas lathe.

http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af339/jayg_2010/DSC00674.jpg

Disassembled expanding-segment idler retainer/chainkeeper.

http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af339/jayg_2010/DSC00679.jpg

Assembled retainer/chainkeeper.

http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af339/jayg_2010/DSC00684.jpg

Installed retainer/chainkeeper.

Title: Re: RANS X-Stream TerraCycle Idler Retainer
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Oct 15^th, 2012, 6:52am

Very nice work!!! I've never had a problem with that idler tightness, but I'll give it a look... I may also contact you about "lathe-ing" a piece for me for a project...

Title: Re: RANS X-Stream TerraCycle Idler Retainer
Post by jayg on Oct 15^th, 2012, 9:05am

FlyingLaZBoy wrote:

Very nice work!!! I've never had a problem with that idler tightness, but I'll give it a look... I may also contact you about "lathe-ing" a piece for me for a project...

Thanks, Paul. I have to admit that I accelerated the deterioration of the rubber by spraying chain lubricant on it when I was lubing the idler shaft. The rubber expanded and became very soft.

Title: Re: RANS X-Stream TerraCycle Idler Retainer
Post by JimFPU on Oct 16^th, 2012, 1:12pm

That surrey was one of the best things to happen to that bike!!!

Title: Re: RANS X-Stream TerraCycle Idler Retainer
Post by jayg on Oct 16^th, 2012, 3:54pm

JimFPU wrote:

That surrey was one of the best things to happen to that bike!!!

I still can't get that ugly sight out of my mind. What an evil deed.

Title: Re: RANS X-Stream TerraCycle Idler Retainer
Post by JimFPU on Oct 17^th, 2012, 6:32am

[smiley=evil.gif] I'm going to miss you my friend!

Title: Re: RANS X-Stream TerraCycle Idler Retainer
Post by Rat Rider on Dec 2^nd, 2012, 5:31pm

Wow. The lathe work is very impressive. I wish I could do that kind of stuff.

To add to the thread, the idler post on my Xstream busted off. When it did, it sent the idler hurdling into the frame, then spat out behind the bike. The frame (of course) had only just been re-powder coated from RANS (sigh). RANS fashioned a bolt on post and it is back to normal.

Title: Re: RANS X-Stream TerraCycle Idler Retainer
Post by jayg on Dec 2^nd, 2012, 9:11pm

Rat Rider wrote:

Thanks. I attended engineering school so long ago we actually had lab courses that gave us hands-on experience in learning how metal items are manufactured. That's where I learned to use a lathe, among other metalworking tools.

The X-Stream's idler post is pretty solidly welded to the frame. Your's must have been a victim of metal fatigue.

Title: Re: RANS X-Stream TerraCycle Idler Retainer
Post by Rat Rider on Dec 3^rd, 2012, 8:24pm

jayg wrote:

[quote author=Rat Rider link=1350249454/0#6 date=1354491086]

snip... Your's must have been a victim of metal fatigue.

It busted off just west of the weld. I can't say fatigue for sure, darned tired certainly... [smiley=lipsrsealed.gif]

Title: Re: RANS X-Stream TerraCycle Idler Retainer
Post by Rat Rider on Dec 6^th, 2012, 1:28pm

JimFPU wrote:

That surrey was one of the best things to happen to that bike!!!

I don't have a dog in this "surrey" debate, outside of Switzer's TE abomination... However, when I saw this image today I remembered this thread.

http://www.amsterdamer.fr/Files/15250/Veltop_anime_220.gif
It seems to me to lack a little practicality.

Title: Re: RANS X-Stream TerraCycle Idler Retainer
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Dec 6^th, 2012, 2:32pm

Not to mention that "endos" are bad for toddlers... and their chauffeurs...