The chainring is a key component of our bike's drivetrain. It helps us transfer our pedaling power to the chain. As a result, maintaining the chainring is relatively crucial. Once the chainring teeth wear out too much, they won’t be able to hold the chain properly anymore. 

 

This can lead to the chain falling off more often and your drivetrain making annoying creaking noises. It is easy to tell a worn-out chainring just by looking at it and checking how well it grips the chain. The teeth of a new chainring have a smooth and rounded top. As for the teeth of worn-out chainrings, they look sharp and pointy. What's more, the tips of the teeth are silver and shiny. 

 

However, you don't need to wait for the chainring to wear out to change it. Changing the chainring is also a way to alter gear ratios. Fewer teeth are for climbing. More teeth are for on-the-flat time trials. This article will focus on how to change your chainrings and what tools you will need.

Preparation and Tools for the Job

Before changing the chainrings, there are a few things you need to do first. First, identify your chainring type. The reason is that chainrings come in various types of bolts. Second, shift the derailleur to the smallest gear before breaking the chain. This way can help you reduce the chain tension and keep the derailleur relaxed. Last, prepare the tools.

To install or remove your bike’s chainrings, these are the tools that you need when changing the chainring:
 

  • Chainring nut wrench-for holding the chainring nut steady while screwing or unscrewing the bolt.

  • Hex wrench set or Torx wrench set - for loosening the bolts.

  • Bottom Bracket removal tool- for crankset removal.

  • Threadlocker- for preventing the bolts from loosening

  • Bike grease- for preventing bolts from corrosion.

  • Torque tool- for properly tightening chainring bolts and crank bolt

  • Gloves- for keeping your hands clean from grease, and they offer protection from sharp chainring teeth or tools.

 

Remove Old Chainring

Step 1: Remove the Crankset. Depending on your setup, you may be able to remove the chainring without having to remove the crankset.

 

 

Step 2: Remove the chain from the chainring.

 

Step 3: Use a Hex wrench or Torx wrench to remove the bolts. Make sure you turn counterclockwise to remove.

 

 

Step 4: Remove the old chainring.

 

 

 

Install New Chainring

Step 1: Line up the bolt holes on the new chainring with those on the crank/spider.

 

Step 2: Make sure the chain drop pin on the large chainring is positioned behind the crank arm. The pin is used to prevent the chain from getting stuck between the crank arm and chainring.

 

 

Step 3: Reinstall the chainring bolts. Apply some threadlocker(like Loctite) and grease on them.

 

 

Step 4: Reinstall your chain onto the chainring.

 

 

Step 5: Make sure all the bolts are tightened. A correctly installed chainring should operate smoothly and quietly. If you hear a squeaky noise, that means you didn't get it right.

 

 

Conclusion

As we mentioned above, chainring is a key part of our drivetrain. Therefore, it is really important to do a regular checkup on your chainring. Don’t wait until you’re dealing with dropped chains or weird noises. 

If the teeth start looking sharp or uneven. It’s probably time for a replacement. Furthermore, don’t hesitate to ask a professional mechanic for help. Although changing chainrings is not a very complex procedure. 

It is still better to get it done right than risk damaging your bike or hurting yourself. Finally, make sure everything is installed correctly. A properly installed chainring not only keeps your ride smooth but also keeps you safe.