Tightening chain???

[bmark0610]

I've got a 200s. I need to tighten the chain desperately but I think I am missing some bolts/nuts on the trike???

Also, the bolt that I circled is a different size than the other 3... Is it supposed to be this way?

How can I tighten the chain??

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[shortline10]

Loosen all four carrier bolts and adjust the chain , your missing the factory adjuster but it can be adjusted with out it .

[bmark0610]

Do I pull the axle back towards the rear after I loosen the bolts?? Is it weird that 1 out of the 3 bolts don't match?

[bigcal]

yeah just pull it back by hand. probably lost a bolt and previous owner just threw something in it to work. adjuster may have fallen off or been removed cause it was broken

[bmark0610]

Not sure what you mean by use the brakes... Once the bolts are loose I thought I was pulling the rear end towards the back of the trike? Using the brakes would pull it towards the front?

[El Camexican]

Not sure what you mean by use the brakes... Once the bolts are loose I thought I was pulling the rear end towards the back of the trike? Using the brakes would pull it towards the front?

All applying the brakes is doing is anchoring the axle. If you push the bike forward it will tighten the chain and if you pull the bike backwards it will loosen it. Find that tight spot before you start as was mentioned.

[bmark0610]

I understand now! Is there a point where the back end won't stretch anymore and the chain will have to be replaced? How can I check this?

[El Camexican]

Regardless of what chain you have or what machine it is on there is an easy universal way to check if its ready to be sacked.

Grab the chain at the center of the rear sprocket (farthest point from the front of the bike) and pull it straight back. If can be pulled back over 6mm from the sprocket it's junk. Less if you have a high out put combination, or race. The great thing about this test is that no matter how tight the chain is the test still works.

Same goes for sprockets that look like saw blades. At that point they are scrap. If you are changing your chain it's always best to change both sprockets at the same time and if you plan to ride your trike more than 10 minutes per year buy a good chain. D.I.D. would be my first choice.

[bmark0610]

Thanks so much for the replies!

Is there a way to 'square up' the sprockets and chain for proper wear? I have a feeling if the axle is tilted just a tiny bit then the chain and sprockets will wear down rather fast?