I just bought my first atv. It is a 1996 polaris scrambler 400. I need to tighten the rear chain, but don't know how. Please help?

 

Loosen the two bolts holding the axle carrier, then I just take a big set of channel locks or a pipe wrench and rotate the axle housing. If you don't have a big enough set of pliers or a pipe wrench, there is a hole in the sprocket that you can align with a hole in the axle housing and run a punch or decent size though both and roll the tire either forward or back to tighten or loosen the chain! Welcome to the forums!

 

As said, loosen the bolts and rock the axle. My clymer's manual gives the pin size as 5/16 that goes through the sprocket. I use a hitch pin, but a screwdriver may work. There are several holes, but if you look close you'll see one inside the others.

The book says to load the suspension by having someone sit on it and then tighten. I crank the suspension down with a ratcheting tie down strap until the chain is at it's tightest point and then adjust the axle to where the chain is tight. If you tighten the chain too much, it wheres quick and can even break on a jump or something.

 

Thank you, I will try this. I appreciate the quick response.

 

like the other said just make sure you load your suspension that way you arent over tightening your chain and making a worse mess for yourself.....

Welcome to the forums!