Took out the Scrambler for the first time last Saturday and came back and the chain was loose and can be. Just by poking my head around the rear end I can't seem to see where the chain tightening adjusters are. Or does the 2 bolts that hold the swing-arm to the axle have something to do with it? Any advice would be a great help. Thanks in advance...

Douger
2001 SC-500

 

If its the same as on my 00 TBlazer, there's two small (1/2 inch wrench) bolts underneath the brake on the bottom beside the disc guard, and two long bolts w/ nuts (9/16 or 5/8). Loosen them, and either turn the housing with a big pipe wrench or put a punch through the rear sprocket and into the housing(should be a small hole there somewhere), then roll the bike forward or back to loosen or tighten. I find the pipe wrench is quicker and easier, but tends to mar up the housing.(oh, if you do use the pipe wrench, be careful not to break off the grease fitting), then wind the bolts in as tight as you can.( to hell with what the manual says for ft lbs., they always come loose)

 

I think I know what your saying(or maybe not). Are we moving the axle backwards or moving a chain adjuster for the tention?

Douger

 

I think the housing is kinda egg-shaped(or sumthin'), and moves the axle back just a tad to tighten the chain when its rotated. Hopefully someone will explain it better than I can(I know, kinda vague)

 

Fasternu...
Thanks for the info...I will just hang out and watch the fourm for replies and maybe figure this thing out.

Douger

 

Its specified in your owners manual.

1. Loosen the two bolts holding the swingarm to the axle housing.

2. Loosen the two bolts on the bottom of the brake caliper

3. Insert pin punch into the hole on the side of the sprocket until its in the axle housing. (there are 3 holes. one is bigger that the rest, this is the one. If you "were" facing the sprocket, the holes should line up around the 9 to 10 o'clock area.

4. Once the pin punch is in, roll the quad backward or forward until there is only around 1/4-1/2" of vertical slack left in the chain.

5. While holding the quad in place, tighten the swingarm bolts back to """60 ft.lbs.""" and the caliper bolts back to """10-12 ft.lbs."""

Your chain should be satisfactory at this point.

hope to have helped.

EC

 

Fasternu is close. The rear axle housing isn't egg-shaped, it is round. If you look carefully, however, you will notice the axle isn't in the center of it. As you rotate the axle houlsing, it has the effect of being egg shaped, as the axle will move forward, up, backwards, and down as the housing is turned. The trick is to loosen the bolts that hold it (pinch bolts) and the rear brake caliper enough so it will rotate, tightening the chain. When tightening the pinch bolts, get them tight enough, or your setting may not keep.

 

Thanks Everyone...
I think that pretty much covers it...I will get it done tonight.

Douger

 

Just a word of advice, When you adjust your chain be sure to adjust the plastis chain guard too, or it will be noisy.
See YA Drew