IDIOT with a chain

[Guest]

Trying to tighten my chain. On the rear of the bike left side I over tighten the nut now the chain is super tight won't budge. I try the other side... Still nothing.

So now I have both sliding plates out and on the floor.

Please someone tell me how this happened and how the heck do I loosen the chain?

[chuck hahn]

First off...look at a parts fiche and reinstall the chain adjusters ( I assume these are what youre calling PLATES). The loosen the AXLE nut real loose and take a hammer and whack the tire to drive the wheel forward toward the front of the bike. Then slowly turn the adjuster nuts on each side of the axle till the chain has about 1/2 to 3/4 inch slack in it and BOTH ADJUSTERS INDEX MARKS are lined up at the same spot in conjunction with the raised marks on the swing arm. LOOK at the adjusters to see the little notch on them and be sure to install them on the axle so they are at the top so you can see them when the wheel is in the swingarm.

[7981GS]

Loosen the axle and hit the center of the back tire with a dead-blow or sledge hammer.

Eric

[GS650E_81]

Thanks! I I forgot to loosen the axle nut. See told you I was an idiot

[chuck hahn]

Dont need to smack it real hard ..but a few times to drive it forward till theres some slack.

[GS650E_81]

I got it at a good strength now.

Thanks alot all for the replies

It is frustrating at times but I am learning at the same time.

[chuck hahn]

Dont forget the cotter pins to assure the crowm nut on the axle is secured. They rarely do come loose...but it can and has happened!!!!!

[mrbill5491]

Thanks! I I forgot to loosen the axle nut. See told you I was an idiot

D'OH