Tips for Spring Tune Up for Rifton Trikes
Wrangler, Rustler, Ranger models
We have visited many classrooms and found that Rifton products purchased years ago are still going strong. We’ve also found that the favorite Rifton Tricycles often need a simple tune-up to keep them running at top form.
These steps, done once a year, will guarantee a long life of use. You will need the following for your springtime tune up:
- Light household lubricant.
- Phillips screwdriver (for Tricycles produced after January 2005.)
- 3/16" hex-head wrench
- 1/8" hex-head wrench
Place your tricycle over some newspaper, either up on a table or on the floor. Set the parking brake and begin!
A. Removing the Chain Guard and Storage Tote Box:
First, take off the storage tote and black plastic chain guard:
Remove the plastic storage tote from the rear of the tricycle. Because the tote is designed to stay in place, this will require a sharp, jerking, pull. |
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Remove the screw in the side of the chain guard with a phillips screwdriver. If your trike doesn’t have a screw, go to the next step. (The side screw is only present on models produced since January 2005.) |
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Lift off the top cover, starting at the rear. |
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Starting at the rear, drop down the bottom cover. |
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Remove the front part of the bottom cover by pushing it forward and then pulling it down. |
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Now you’re ready to do the actual maintenance.
B. Chain Tension Maintenance:
Check the chain tension. A loose chain sags and is not parallel to the colored metal tube above it. |
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For tightening a loose chain, the first step is to loosen the two cap screws located on top of the crankcase, using the 3/16" hex-head wrench. |
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Then, use the same 3/16" hex-head wrench to tighten the cap screw at the front of the plate. This will tighten the chain. |
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You will know it is tight enough when the chain runs parallel to the colored metal tube above it. Do not over tighten. |
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To make sure the chain is not over tightened, do this test. Raise the lower chain by lifting it up toward the upper chain. There should be no more than 1" of deflection of the chain when you do this. When the chain tension is right, complete the job by re-tightening the 2 cap screws on top of the crankcase. Even if the chain is not loose, it is a good idea to check that the two cap screws on top of the crank case are tight. Tighten with a 3/16" hex-head wrench. |
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C. Rear Toothed Gear Sprocket Maintenance:
It is advisable to tighten the rear gear sprocket screw, using the 1/8" hex-head wrench. The toothed gear sprocket at the rear axle should be centered left to right on the axle when tightened. This will make sure it does not slip out of place with continued use. |
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D. Oiling the Chain:
Place 2-3 drops of oil on the rear axle, on either side of the toothed gear sprocket, where the plastic chain guard rests. This will prevent squeaking pedals. |
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Go to the front-toothed gear sprocket located between the pedals, and place 2-3 drops of oil on either side. |
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Lastly, place a moderate amount of oil along the chain. Release the brake. Raise the left rear drive wheel off the ground surface and rotate the pedals around a few times. This will distribute the oil evenly along the chain. |
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E. Replacing the Chain Guard and Storage Tote Box:
To replace the Chain Guard and Storage Tote Box, refer to the images in Section A. Replace the bottom cover first, and then the top cover, and finally, replace the Tote.
F. Trunk Support Maintenance
Check each of the lateral arms by completely tightening the knob first, and then applying outward pressure to see if there is any movement. It should be tight. If it isn’t, completely unscrew and remove the knob. |
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Remove the interlocking cone-shaped metal piece that is set under the knob. |
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Set it back into place and rotate it, making sure that it has securely nested with the corresponding portion of the base. Screw the knob in, and double-check that there is no movement of the lateral arm when the knob is tightened. |
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