Chain Drive Front Sprocket 'float' on Pro-Connect

[oriteroom]

Doing some routine maintenance on my wife's and my Pro-Connects and I noticed that the chain drive sprocket at the front (pedal) end are both 'floating' - i.e. there is lateral movement. Is this a feature of the pansonic drive unit for this to be 'loose'. Both bikes are the same so I assume it's all right but it would be reassuring to know that this is normal. There is no untoward play or movement in the crank/pedals.

Mike

 

[flecc]

Yes, it's perfectly normal Mike. Both the chainwheel and motor drive sprockets are mounted on splines with circlips to retain them, this mounting method allowing a degree of rock. Below is a photo of the older Panasonic unit which had exactly the same mounting methods, one circlip being removed:

The pedal shaft runs in separate bearings within that since the chainwheel has it's own freewheel.
.

 

[oriteroom]

Thanks very much flecc for such a swift reply - I'm now comfortably reassured.

Mike