I am looking at a used LT160. The owner says the rear breaks stick and it needs a new front sprocket. While I am no mechanic, I am willing to try and want to learn. My question:

Are these things that can be addressed by a novice like myself or do I need to have it looked at by a professional?

Thanks in advance

Supergroomer

 

front sprocket is usually just held on by one big bolt and a lock washer, you might be able to just take the bolt off and swap in a new sprocket and be done depending on how tight the chain is, sometimes to get the chain back on the front sprocket you can just put the chain at the top of the sprocket then roll the bike forward untill the chain pops on all the way, kinda like when we were kids and our chains popped off, just put chain on top of sprocket then pedal away slowly, as for rear brakes sticking it might need them bled or adjusted, and possibly new brake shoes which usually is pretty simple...

 

Thanks.

The sprocket sounds easy enough.

Again, being a novice, what do I have to do to bleed the brakes?

Thanks

Supergroomer

 

The rear brake is a cable operated drum - very simple and basic. First step is to pull it apart and clean & inspect. It could very well be that your sticking brake is just filled with crud and corosion. Clean it all out and see if you need new shoes. Only adjust the cable tension after it's all clean inside.

 

Ok. I bought it. The rear brake sticks. I will open it up tomorow. I see that they offer an 11 tooth or a 12 tooth front sprocket. Which should I get? or should I just replace with what is on there now?

Supergroomer