Hear that annoying slapping sound coming from your kid’s Can-Am DS 90? Or worse, has the chain ever popped off mid-ride, bringing the fun to a screeching halt? We’ve all been there. A loose or overly tight chain isn’t just a nuisance; it’s a safety hazard and a performance killer.
You agree that keeping your young rider’s ATV in top shape is priority number one. That’s why we promise this guide will give you the confidence and know-how to perform a perfect can am ds 90 chain adjustment right in your own garage.
In this post, we’ll walk you through everything. We’ll cover why this task is so critical, the tools you’ll need, a detailed step-by-step process, and pro tips to keep that mini-quad running like a champ for years to come. Let’s get those hands dirty.
Why Proper Chain Adjustment is Non-Negotiable on a DS 90
Think of the drive chain as the lifeline between the engine and the wheels. If it’s not happy, nothing else works right. Getting the tension perfect is a balancing act with huge payoffs.
One of the biggest benefits of can am ds 90 chain adjustment is safety. A chain that’s too loose can easily de-rail from the sprockets, locking up the rear wheels instantly. This can cause a sudden stop or loss of control, which is the last thing you want for a young rider.
Beyond safety, proper tension drastically extends the life of your drivetrain components. A chain that’s too tight puts immense stress on the sprockets, bearings, and even the engine’s output shaft. This leads to premature wear and costly repairs down the road. A correctly adjusted chain ensures a smooth, efficient transfer of power, giving the little ATV the get-up-and-go it’s supposed to have.
Spotting the Signs: When Does Your DS 90 Chain Need Adjustment?
Your DS 90 will give you some clear signals when the chain needs attention. Learning to spot them is the first step in proactive maintenance. Don’t wait for it to break; look for these tell-tale signs.
Symptoms of a Loose Chain:
- The “Slapping” Sound: This is the most common sign. You’ll hear the chain hitting the swingarm or chain guard, especially when going over bumps or letting off the throttle.
- Jerky Power Delivery: The ATV might feel hesitant or jerky at low speeds as the chain slack is taken up and released.
- Visible Sag: A quick visual check will show excessive droop in the chain. If it looks like it’s smiling at you from below the swingarm, it’s too loose.
Symptoms of a Tight Chain:
- A Whining or Whirring Noise: A chain under too much tension will often make a high-pitched whining sound that gets louder with speed. This is the sound of metal under extreme stress.
- Stiff Rear Suspension: A tight chain can actually bind up the rear suspension, preventing it from moving freely. The ride will feel harsh and unforgiving.
- Premature Wear: If you notice the teeth on your sprockets are hooked or worn to sharp points unusually fast, an overly tight chain is almost always the culprit.
Gearing Up: Tools and Supplies You’ll Need
Before you start, gathering the right tools makes the job a whole lot smoother. You don’t need a professional workshop, just a few key items. This is a great opportunity to show a young, aspiring mechanic the basics!
Here’s your essential toolkit for this job:
- ATV Stand or Jack: You need to get the rear wheels off the ground so they can spin freely. A stable ATV stand is best, but a sturdy jack and jack stands will work.
- Metric Wrench Set or Socket Set: The DS 90 primarily uses metric hardware. You’ll likely need 13mm, 14mm, and 17mm wrenches or sockets, but check your specific model year.
- Tape Measure or Ruler: Precision is key. You’ll need this to measure the chain slack accurately.
- Chain Lube: After adjusting, it’s the perfect time to lubricate the chain. We recommend a high-quality, o-ring safe spray lubricant designed for off-road use.
- Cleaning Rags: Things can get a bit greasy. Keep some shop towels or old rags handy.
- Owner’s Manual: The ultimate source of truth. Always have it on hand to double-check slack specifications for your specific model year.
The Ultimate Can Am DS 90 Chain Adjustment Guide: Step-by-Step
Alright, you’ve got your tools and you know why you’re here. Let’s dive into the how to can am ds 90 chain adjustment process. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be done in no time. This is the core of our can am ds 90 chain adjustment guide.
Step 1: Safety First – Prep Your Workspace
Start by parking the ATV on a level surface. Turn off the engine and ensure the key is removed. Securely lift the rear of the ATV onto your stand so the rear wheels are off the ground and can spin by hand. Safety is paramount, so give the ATV a good shake to make sure it’s stable before you start wrenching.
Step 2: Locate the Chain Adjuster Mechanism
Look at the rear axle. You’ll see the axle is held in place by a component called the axle carrier or bearing carrier. On the DS 90, the adjustment is typically done via an eccentric carrier. This means the carrier itself is offset, and rotating it moves the axle forward or backward, tightening or loosening the chain. You’ll see two or four main bolts holding this carrier in place.
Step 3: Loosen the Axle Carrier Bolts
Using the appropriate wrench or socket, slightly loosen the bolts that clamp the axle carrier to the swingarm. You do not need to remove them completely. Just loosen them enough so that the carrier can rotate. Usually, a half to a full turn is plenty.
Step 4: Make the Adjustment
Now for the adjustment itself. The Can-Am DS 90’s eccentric carrier has notches or a specific spot to insert a large wrench or spanner tool to rotate it. If you don’t have the specific tool, you can often use a large punch and a hammer to gently tap the carrier and rotate it.
Rotate the carrier forward (towards the front of the ATV) to tighten the chain, and rotate it backward to loosen it. Make small, incremental adjustments. A little movement here makes a big difference in tension.
Step 5: Measure for Correct Slack (The “Magic Number”)
This is the most critical step. Find the midpoint of the chain between the front and rear sprockets. Push down on the chain with your finger and measure the distance to a fixed point on the swingarm. Then, pull up on the chain and measure again. The difference between these two measurements is your chain slack.
For most DS 90 models, the correct slack is typically between 0.8 to 1.2 inches (20-30mm). Always consult your owner’s manual to confirm the exact specification for your model year.
Step 6: Re-tighten and Final Checks
Once you’ve hit that magic number, hold the carrier in place and carefully re-tighten the carrier bolts. Tighten them evenly, alternating between them to ensure the carrier is clamped down squarely. Torque them to the manufacturer’s specification if you have a torque wrench.
Spin the rear wheels by hand and check the tension at several different spots along the chain. Chains can have tight and loose spots, so you want to ensure the tightest spot is still within spec. One final check ensures everything is perfect.
Pro Tips and Best Practices for Chain Care
A good adjustment is only part of the equation. Following a solid can am ds 90 chain adjustment care guide will maximize the life of your components. Here are some of our top can am ds 90 chain adjustment tips from years in the shop.
- Clean Before You Lube: Never spray fresh lube onto a dirty chain. Use a dedicated chain cleaner and a soft brush to remove all the old grit and grime first. A clean chain allows the new lubricant to penetrate the rollers and pins where it’s needed most.
- Lube After a Ride: The best time to lube your chain is after a ride when it’s still warm. This helps the lubricant seep into all the nooks and crannies before it thickens.
- Check Sprocket Health: While you’re down there, inspect the teeth on your front and rear sprockets. If they look hooked or worn to sharp points like shark fins, it’s time to replace them. A new chain on old, worn sprockets will wear out incredibly fast. Always replace the chain and sprockets as a set.
- Check for Alignment: Make sure your rear axle is aligned straight. An easy way to check is to measure the distance from a fixed point on the swingarm to the center of the axle on both sides. The measurements should be identical. Misalignment will destroy a chain and sprockets.
Common Problems and Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best guide, it’s easy to make a small mistake. Here are some common problems with can am ds 90 chain adjustment and how to steer clear of them.
The number one mistake is over-tightening the chain. It’s tempting to get it “good and snug,” but too much tension is far more damaging than being slightly too loose. It will destroy your bearings and sprockets. When in doubt, err on the looser side of the manufacturer’s specification.
Another common issue is forgetting to re-check the slack after tightening the axle carrier bolts. Sometimes, tightening the hardware can slightly shift the axle, changing the tension. Always perform a final measurement before calling the job done.
Finally, don’t ignore stiff links or rust. If you find a section of the chain that is kinked or won’t move freely, it’s a sign the chain is on its way out. No amount of adjustment or lubricant can fix a damaged link. Replace it immediately.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Chain Maintenance
Being an off-roader means respecting the trails we ride on. You can apply that same mindset to your maintenance routine. A sustainable can am ds 90 chain adjustment and care process is easier than you think.
Start by choosing a high-quality, biodegradable chain lube. Many brands now offer plant-based or synthetic ester formulas that perform just as well as traditional petroleum-based lubes but are much kinder to the environment.
When cleaning your chain, use a drip pan to catch the runoff from your chain cleaner. This prevents harmful chemicals from seeping into the ground. Dispose of the collected waste and any used rags at a local hazardous waste collection facility.
Ultimately, the most eco-friendly can am ds 90 chain adjustment practice is simply doing it right. Proper maintenance extends the life of your chain and sprockets, meaning you consume fewer replacement parts over the life of the ATV. This reduces manufacturing waste, shipping emissions, and saves you money. It’s a win-win.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can Am DS 90 Chain Adjustment
How often should I check the chain on a DS 90?
A good rule of thumb is to give it a quick check before every ride. This can be as simple as pushing on it with the toe of your boot to feel the slack. We recommend performing a full measurement and adjustment every 10-15 hours of ride time, or more frequently if you ride in very muddy or sandy conditions.
Can I use motor oil to lube my chain?
We strongly advise against it. Motor oil is too thin and will fling off the chain almost immediately, making a mess and providing very little protection. Worse, it can attract a ton of dirt and grit, creating a grinding paste that accelerates wear. Stick to a dedicated spray-on foam or wax-based chain lubricant.
What happens if I keep riding with a loose chain?
Riding with a loose chain is risky. Best case scenario, it will cause rapid wear to your sprockets. Worst case, it can de-rail, ball up around the front sprocket, and potentially crack your engine case—a very expensive repair. At worst, it could lock the rear wheels and cause an accident. It’s not worth the risk.
Taking a few minutes to perform a proper chain adjustment is one of the most important and rewarding maintenance tasks you can do. It keeps your young rider safe, saves you money, and ensures that Can-Am DS 90 is always ready for the next adventure.
Now you have the knowledge and the steps to get it done right. Get out there, check that chain, and keep the good times rolling safely!
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