How to Adjust the Chain and Flywheel on Schwinn AC Bikes

This video is about the chain and flywheel adjustment procedure on Schwinn AC bikes. As you ride your bike you may feel some play in your chain or hear some metal scraping coming from the flywheel. Adjusting the chain and flywheel are ways to address these issues.

Tools Required

• 3MM Allen Wrench
• Socket Wrench
• 14MM Socket

Procedure

This procedure begins with the chain guard already removed for better clarity of the inner workings

• Chain adjustment begins by loosening the nuts on each side of the flywheel axle using the 14MM socket and wrench
• Now with the 3MM Allen wrench, you will make your chain adjustment
  • The flywheel axle runs through to both sides and mounts into the frame near the tension screws (adjustment bolts) for the chain
    • As adjustments to the screws are made, it forces the axle to shift its position in the frame which will change the alignment of the flywheel to the forks of the bike
    • Too large of an adjustment can cause the flywheel to become severely out of alignment which can create extra tension, rubbing, and/or grinding noise that could be from the drive train area as well as affecting the alignment of the braking mechanism to the flywheel
      • Make fine, even adjustments to the tension screws such as a 1/2 to 1 full turn to each side
      • Test and adjust further if necessary. Check from various clock positions such as 12 o’clock, 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock, and 9 o’clock making a few rotations from each position checking for any roughness or play
• Once the tension adjustment is complete, you will want to make one final tightening to the tension screw opposite the chain; only turning it another 1/2 turn
• Retighten the flywheel axle nuts
• This completes the adjustment of the chain and flywheel on a Schwinn AC bike
  • The procedure works for the Schwinn AC Performance, AC Sport & AC Classic indoor cycles