Tech Tip 23 Proper Installation of an O-ring Chain

This is what you get in your box of new O-ring chain: a wad of chain and pieces of a masterlink. So you just replace the old one with the new one, right?

Here is a close up of the masterlink components: L to R, four O-rings wired together, outer sideplate, spring clip and inner sideplate w/pins.

With the rear end jacked up and the old masterlink removed, or with an endless chain, a link broken, install a master link connecting the old chain with the new one. So, out with the old and in with the new! Pull the lower run of chain and the new replaces the old.

This is the ONLY lubricant to use for assembling an O-ring chain. This is a lifetime supply!

Place one O-ring on each pin of the inner sideplate w/pins.

Place a generous amount of white lithium grease on each pin.

Bring the return end of the new chain up onto the rear sprocket and insert the lubed, O-ringed inner sideplate w/pins.

Apply additional white lithium grease to the protruding ends of the pins.

Install one O-ring on each protruding pin.

Loosely install the outer sideplate.

Either use two Vicegrips® or a sideplate press as shown to press the outer sideplate onto the pins until the spring clip groove is exposed. Note: If you are using Vicegrips®, DO NOT FORCE THE SIDEPLATE TOO FAR ONTO THE PINS, O-ring damage will result. Stop when the spring clip will just fit onto each pin freely without binding

Using a sideplate press as shown prevents over pressing of the outer sideplate because the pin bottoms out on the press plate. (Assuming you select the correct size press plate!)

Install the spring clip, spring curve convex, (humped) onto the pins as shown. ALWAYS have the OPEN end facing DOWNWARDS if you are installing it on the rear sprocket. The closed end of the spring clip must always point in the direction of chain travel.

Position a flatblade screwdriver as shown and either hit it with a hammer or your hand and force the spring clip to spread around the lower pin, locking it in place.

The finished product! Tension the chain per the manufacturers recommendations for your model. Use a rag saturated with WD-40® and rotating the rear wheels, clean the excess factory grease off the chain. This prevents dirt from clinging to the new chain. Now go ride!