Newb with a 300ex chain problem

[foxrider12390]

I have a 2001 Trx300ex pretty much stock and I cannot get the chain to stay tight. No matter how tight i tighten the two bolts on the back it will always loosen.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[bwamos]

I'm betting (if you have a stock bearing carrier) that the o-rings around the carrier inside the swinger clamp area have deteriorated or are missing, if that makes sense.

[foxrider12390]

I am 17 and this is my first atv. With the help of this forum i took the bearing carrier apart so i am going to head over to the local honda dealership and see what they have to say. My only other problem is the bearing carrier is still attached to the rear axle. Is it suposed to be?
Thank you

[bwamos]

Since the axle nut etc would have been removed when the carrier & axle were pulled the axle should slide out of the carrier.

It may not come off really easily if it's been on there a long time. But it should come off without too much work. In a perfect world it would just slide right off.

The o-rings I was thinking might be an issue are part 30 on the attached image. They would be located where I put the red lines on the carrier.

It is a stock carrier, correct?

[foxrider12390]

I was unable to find where the attached image was. And yes it is the stock carrier.

[bwamos]

Bah.. sorry. I accidentally forgot to attach, then couldn't get back to fix it. It's on my other computer. I'll get it posted for you tommorow. Sorry about that.

[foxrider12390]

yeah i would like to see that.
Thanks for the help so far

[bwamos]

Sorry,
I tend to be a bit forgetful.

Here's the pic.

[foxrider12390]

I am heading over to my local honda dealership with my bearing carrier tonight. I will most likely order new o rings and try to get it all put back together by friday.
Thanks for the attachment

[bwamos]

Also make sure you don't overtighten the chain.

You should have about 1-1/4" slack at mid span of the chain w/ the quad sitting on the ground.

The chain tightens up as the swinger moves. So if the chain is too tight you'll end up putting too much stress on the chain/carrier/motor.

[foxrider12390]

Thanks for the help i have it all put back together with some new o rings and it seems to hold better. I went out and bought a new chain the guy said it has 120 links and i need to have it cut down. how should i go about cutting it down and how much?

[foxrider12390]

well i figured out how to shorten the chain and i have everything put back together. i left a little slack in the chain about the amount you told me to and the chain still seems like it is loose. It kind of bunches up and it rubs/hits the metal piece under it that is supose to protect it. any ideas of why this may be happening?