Trike Tune-up
| May 2012Rifton tricycles last many years. We've visited many classrooms and seen tricycles purchased years ago still going strong. But a quick tune-up once a year helps to keep them in top form. Download the instructions.
You will need the following for the yearly tune-up:
- Light household lubricant.
- Phillips screwdriver
- 3/16″ hex-head wrench
- 5/32″ hex-head wrench
Place your tricycle over some newspaper, set the parking brake and begin.
Getting Ready
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Remove the plastic storage tote from the rear of the adaptive tricycle |
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Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw in the side of the chain guard. |
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Remove the top cover of the chain guard by lifting at the back. |
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Detach the back of the bottom cover by pushing down. |
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Remove the front of the bottom cover by pushing it forward, then pulling down. |
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1. Chain Tension Maintenance:
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To check the chain tension, lift the lower chain. There should be no more than 1” of deflection. If the chain tension is fine, it is still a good idea to check the tightness of the 2 cap screws. |
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To tighten the chain, begin by loosening the two screw caps on top of the crankcase using the 3/16" hex-head wrench. |
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Use the 3/16" hex-head wrench to adjust the bolt. When the chain tension is right, tighten the two cap screws on the top of the crankcase. |
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2. Rear Sprocket Maintenance:
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Tighten the rear sprocket screw with the 5/32" hex-head wrench. The gear sprocket should be centered left-to-right on the rear axle when tightened. |
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3. Oiling the Chain:
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Place two drops of oil on the rear axle on either side of the toothed gear sprocket where the plastic chain guard rests. |
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Place two drops of oil on either side of the front gear sprocket. |
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Apply a moderate amount of oil along the chain. Release the brakes, and raise the left rear drive wheel off the ground and rotate the pedals to distribute the oil evenly. |
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4. Replacing the Chain Guard and Storage Tote Box
Replace the bottom chain guard, attaching it to the front first. Then place the top chain guard over it and tighten the screw on the side. Hook the front of the tote on the parking brake bar, then push down firmly on the rear.
Congratulations, you completed your Spring Trike tune-up!
Watch the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle Video to learn more about your tricycle or read about Brooke and her first ride on three wheels.
