chain replacement

[72soa]

I broke a chain today on my maxx 2. It is the chain that drives the rear most right wheel. What is the proceedure to replace chain. I have the old one out. Thanks.

[Mike]

Lay the chain on the ground and count the links (don't count the master link). Cut a new piece of chain so that it has the same number of links. Now that you have a chain that is the proper length, jack the right side of your Max up so that the tires are off the ground. Loosen the rear chain adjuster on that side all the way. Feed the chain around the middle and rear sprocket. Turn the tires slowly to help you get it all the way around. Get the chain to where it can almost touch itself. Then you can take a couple pairs of pliers or screwdrivers and pull the chain together. Some people even use simple zip ties to hold the chain in place.

You then take your new master link and slide it into the chain so that it completes the chain. Place the outer plate on the master link and then put the spring / horseshoe clip on to hold it in place. Put the horseshoe clip on so that the forward movement of the chain will push the clip back on if it were to hit something rather than push it off.

It sounds more difficult than it is. Once you get in there you will see what needs to be done.

[Eldon]

You know Mike just this past Sunday I thought I had invented the chain install with a zip tie.
Glad I didn't try to patent the idea.You seasoned pros have done it all before. LOL

[countrycummins99]

we took a large pair of needle nose and put to half moon grooves in them for putting chains togother helps alot with old attexs

[72soa]

Well I put the new chain in. No issues. I snugged the tensioners down a little and off I went. Well it did not take too long for two ohter chains to break. I will start a new thread.

[72soa]

more chain woes

Last week I broke the right rear wheel chain. Today I replaced it. I took the Max out for a test drive and broke two other chains. Both chains are on the right side - same side I worked on. One chain I broke was the drive chain for the front right tire. I also broke the main drive chain on the right axle. I think something is wrong with the sprokets. The main drive sproket on the middle axle seems real sloppy; a lot of latteral movement. Any suggestions?

[72soa]

OK. I looked at the main drive sproket. It looks chewed up. I did mention latteral movement. Not really side to side but back and fourth.

[Mike]

I merged your two threads. You can just keep posting in this one.

It sounds like you have found the possible cause. Bad sprockets can definitely chew up chain but with it breaking a new chain that quickly I would guess that you have some alignment issues as well. When you say the main drive sprocket, are you referring to the on on the transmission? Perhaps your jackshaft needs to be aligned better?

[72soa]

Point of clarification. The new chain did not break. The big chain from the shaft to the mid shaft broke along with the chain that drives the front wheel. What is a jack shaft and how do I make sure all is straight? Thanks.

[thebuggyman1]

Wow, you broke the #60 chain?......Something must be wrong. According to the figures Diamond chain published, #60 is 29% stronger than #50.
Your mid shaft or idler shaft is the jack shaft. It NEEDS to be straight/square. If it is not you are putting alot of extra stress on all components.
I'm sure there is a better way, but I use a tape measure, straight edge and a good eye. lol

[bierbower37]

Something to check that i noticed on my max was that the locking collars were loose on my center axle allowing it to slide back and forth. I could see that breaking a chain easily.
Also 72soa what is the number of pins on a maxII #50 chain for the axles?

[72soa]

I took it all apart (middle axle) and the main sproket is worn on one side (main drive 60 chain). The locking collars thing is interesting. My collars were kind of loose. Not real loose but a little loose. I do not where to put the collars back on the axle. I hope I can figure it out when I put it together. In any event I do not know if I should buy a new sproket or try and clean up the one I have. My bearing looks kind of sloppy as well. BTW 72soa refers to my 1972 IH scout with a spring over axle conversion. Have a good day.