How to Tighten the Chain on a Polaris Explorer 250 ATV

The chain on the Polaris Explorer 250 ATV runs from the transmission sprocket to the rear axle sprocket. The transmission sprocket is located on the rear side of the transmission and looks like a piece of round metal with sharp points on it. The rear axle sprocket is a large, round metal disk with spikes around it, located toward the center of the rear axle. The chain is connected by small links, with pins in the center of each link. Removing links will tighten the chain.

Things You'll Need

• ATV lift
• Chain link removal tool

Instructions

1. Raise the rear of the Polaris Explorer 250 ATV off the ground, using the ATV lift. Place a jack stand under the engine, on the right and left side. Lower the Polaris Explorer 250 ATV onto the jack stands.

2. Place the link tool over one of the chain links on the top of the chain, so that the link tool's metal pin is lined up with the pin in the chain link. Turn the handle on the link tool to push the chain link out from the center of the chain link.

3. Remove the chain link from the chain. Connect the two ends of the chain, so that the holes on each link line up with each other. Insert the metal pin into the center of the link's hole.

4. Place the link tool over the chain link, making sure that the metal pins line up with each other. Turn the handle on the link tool to push the pin into the chain link.

Tips & Warnings

• Remove as many chain links as you need in order to tighten the drive chain.

References

• "Polaris ATV 250 500cc, '85'97 (Owners Workshop Manual);" Chilton; 1999