400EX Chain Slack Measurement

[Dave102429]

The manual says the chain slack shoud be 1-3/8". Is this when the quad is sitting on the ground or supported on a stand with the rear suspension completely extended (like the way you measure the chain on a motorcycle)? Thanks.

[EXDuner]

I measure mine on the ground. My manual says nothing about doing it any other way.

[2004TRX450R]

The best and most accurate way to adjust your chain is to compress the suspension so that the center of the front and rear sprockets and the swing arm pivot bolt are all ligned up. This is the tightest position the chain will be in. At that point you want about 1/8" of freeplay. You want it so it is just not quite tight and has just a slight little bit of play in it. This applies to any motorcycle or ATV.

i just get it to where it is just snug on the rear & front sprocket, maybe the tiniest bit tighter than that...this leaves a little play in it while im on it. thats just what I do & I dont know if it's right but my chains & sprockets are holding up perfect after alot of miles.

[2004TRX450R]

You don't ever want it to get snug. You want it to always have the slightest bit of slack. If it get's tight at all it will stretch the chain faster and could possibly brake the chain if it get's to tight.

[exrider505]

I check it while im sitting on it because thats how its going to be when your riding.

thank you geni-***:blah:

actually i was talking to muff and he brought up a good point. u only need to sit on the quad if it is a no link suspension. with the link its gonna stay the same.

[FFW]

Just adjust it exactly as the manual says, 1 3/8 inches of free play when the quad is sitting on the ground with no one on it. If you adjust it to that level sitting on it the chain will be too loose. Unless the distance between the drive and driven sprockets never changes you shouldn't adjust it to where it has nearly zero free play.