How to Adjust the Chain on an ATV
Adjusting the chain on your ATV is an important part of your vehicle's maintenance. If you allow the chain to become too loose, it can fall off during operation and become ruined, potentially damaging other parts on the ATV. But if you allow the chain to become too tight, it can chew up the ATV's sprocket and stretch and break the chain. The process of tightening and loosening an ATV chain requires only basic tools, and can be completed by almost anyone.
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Instructions
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1
Pull the ATV to an open, accessible location, and lift the rear end of the vehicle onto a block. Make sure that all pressure is off the rear tires.
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2
Use a crescent wrench to loosen the lug bolt holding the axle bolt between the rear tires.
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3
Starting with the left tire, loosen the securing nut, keeping the chain tightening bolt on the swing arm in place using an end wrench.
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4
Adjust the chain tightening bolt as needed. Twist the bolt carefully, as it is quite easy to strain the bolt and break it. Feel the chain as you adjust the bolt, and attempt to get the chain taught, but still with a small amount of slack. Then, once you have the bolt in the desired place, hold it firmly using an end wrench, and tighten the securing nut using another end wrench.
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5
Look at the notch on the top of the square tightening bracer, and complete the adjusting process on the other swing arm, matching it up with the notch the same as the other side. This is very important, as the axle needs to be straight as possible.
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6
Use a crescent wrench to tighten the lug bolt once again.
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Tips & Warnings
If you don't know how tight the chain should be, consult your ATV's owner's manual.
Always remain aware of pinch points when working around movable ATV parts.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit www.atvsource.com
