Just picked up a used 00 Scrambler 500. Trying to adjust the chain without the help of the owners manual. Would like to go riding tomorrow !!!! I think every bolt that needs to be loose is loose but the rear end won't turn to tighten the chain. Is there a trick or should I just force it? Anything in the tool kit helpful?

 

Danny,

There are the 2 bolts on the axle mounting that you need to loosen, I'm sure you've gotten that far. But what stumped me the first time I did it is that you also have to loosen the 2 bolts holding the brake caliper onto the axle. The bolt heads point down toward the ground. Loosen those 2 bolts just enough so you can twist the brake assembly in the axle, then use an alignment punch or a pipe wrench. Twisting the hub forward will tighten the chain, twisting back will loosen. Hope this helps.

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02 Scrammy 400 X 4x4, K&N, works struts (wanting to buy a predator, so if you want my scrammy, drop me an email!!)

 

I always used a pair of large channel locks to turn it on mine. Also, have someone sit on the machine while you check the tension.

Scott

 

I'm supposed to be turning it toward the handle bars in an up type rotation to tighten or is it down and away from the rear of the machine to tighten?

 

You are twisting the hub up and toward the handlebars to tighten. You will definately see the chain get limp if you are going the wrong way...but if your chain stays limp no matter how far you turn it either way...you might be in need of a new chain then.

 

I have found that an easier way to adjust the chain, once you have all the bolts loose, is to insert a punch or similar strong, thin tool at least 4 inches long through a hole in the rear sprocket and get it lined up with another hole in the axle carrier. This locks the two together and then you just bump the tire forward or back and the punch will rotate the carrier and adjust the chain. Now that I write it out it sounds complicated, but it is actually very easy.

But DannyTPD, since this sounds like your first Scrambler, do yourself a big favor and buy a chain tensioner from HPD or someone else. You don't have to adjust the chain nearly as often and it takes up the slack during jumps. Should be the first purchase for any chain driven Polaris.

 

Loosening the brake caliper bolts had me stumped as well The manual didn't say anything about it. Once I got all the bolts loose it moved pretty easy though.