Dirt Bike Axle and Chain Adjustment Photo Gallery

Step 1.1: Once the wheel is ready to be re-attached to the bike, before inserting the axle, make sure that it is properly prepared. The axle should be cleaned of any grime or dirt.

Step 1.2: Coat with a fresh layer of grease. Most bearing or axle grease will do.

Step 1.3: Force the wheel up tight against the adjustment bolts and tighten the axle nut by hand enough to hold the wheel in place, but do not cinch it down.

Loosen the lock nut on the chain tensioner on each side of the swingarm. Once loose, thread the adjustment bolts in or out to reach the desired chain slack (out to tighten the chain, in to loosen it). Use the marks on the axle blocks to make sure both sides are equally adjusted and the wheel is square.

Step 3.1: Once you are satisfied with the chain tension, put a rag between the chain and sprocket on the top side of the swingarm. Rotate the wheel backwards to cram the rag between the chain and sprocket which forces the wheel tight against the tensioning bolts.

Step 3.2: Use a torque wrench to tighten the axle nut to the specified tension.

Step 3.3: Lube the chain and go ride.