'85 R chain adjuster won't budge

[pismorat]

Just as the title says, I loosen the two locknuts and the chain adjuster (cam) won't move. Even with tapping it with a hammer and drift. Any ideas what could be going on? I'm about ready to tear the whole rear end apart...

[RIDE-RED 250r]

Your carrier is probably just gummed up with grit, possibly a little corrosion inside the swingarm, and/or other stuff and not turning. You might try to carefully spread the swingarm clamps a little bit too.

[Dirtcrasher]

A good way to spread them is to remove the carrier split point seal and place a penny in the 2 openings. Then use a couple of bolts to put pressure on them by inserting the bolts from the bottom and spread it a bit.

Squirt the crap out of it and try to rotate it back and forth. You can also remove the right side retaining clip and knock out the axle and carrier and all and then clean it/re install it all greased up. Just remember to remove your chain/caliper/locknut etc and the center bolt in the back of the swinger........

The tire may help as leverage to get it out.

[atc007]

Your corrosion will almost def be under your brake caliper mounting bracket. You'll have to take it off,,sand and clean it ,and maybe inside your swingarm,,,you should be able to easily adjust it with your hand when you're done..

[jb2wheels]

Please don't hit your carrier with the hammer & punch - I found the carrier on my 85 350x to be very brittle :(

Now it's missing a tooth or two...

Take it all apart and clean and grease. You'll be glad you did.

[pismorat]

Tried removing the locknuts today and only got the one loose, soaking the other one in oil overnight and maybe have to heat it a little with a torch to try and break it loose this morning. Hopefully I can get it apart tomorrow!

[Dirtcrasher]

^ Spreading the carrier and spraying didn't help? Or do you just want to remove it all, clean it and grease it up?

[Xowner]

Also place a screw driver threw the sprocket and lay it against the tooth. Then have your buddy push on the bike. The sprocket hub will push on the tooth. it uses the weight of the bike to rotate the carrier instead of trying to pound it with a hammer.

[pismorat]

Good call Dirtcrasher! I forgot about that suggestion cause I was planning on removing the whole axle. Once I ran into that locknut issue, I read your post and went and used the pennies...and of course it worked! Thanks for the help!