Adjusting Chain question

[VegasRider]

I adjusted my chain and noticed I had overtightened it a bit so I decided to loosen it by a notch or so and when doing so the right side of the bike bolt, (not sure what that bolt is called) would not move the axle bolt to get the right alignment. It is off by a little over one notch from the left side. What can I do, or am i doing something wrong that I missed? any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Dizzledan]

I used this video to adjust mine:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zB4DsHV8SAQ

[adidasguy]

When tightening, the nut pulls the wheel out.
When loosening a chain, there is nothing to pull the wheel in.
Use a block of wood and a mallet to tap the head of the bolt to move the wheel in. When in position, re-tighten the axle bolt.
If it goes in too far, simply tighten the adjuster to pull the wheel back out.
Always be sure to loosen the axle nut when adjusting the rear wheel. Remember to re-tighten it when done.

[VegasRider]

i will try that tonight. It is off by a notch or so like I said, i have a 2 mile ride home from where my tools are, I doubt that anything bad could happen during my short commute. At least I hope so...

[Kijona]

Just keep this in mind:

Erring on the side of caution, always go for too loose versus too tight. Have a friend (that's either heavier or about the same size as you are) sit on the bike while you lift the chain from the bottom. There should be roughly 1-1.25" of play in the chain while someone is sitting on it, give or take. This is not what the manual specifies but from my own personal experience with motorcycles. My KLR650, on the other hand, required over 2" because of the amount of suspension travel it had.

Slightly too loose is far easier on your transmission, clutch, and engine seals (namely around the countershaft). Too tight stresses all the aforementioned components and it also increases the likelihood that the chain will BREAK from too much tension. Just be sure it's not TOO loose, otherwise you run the risk of it jumping the teeth on the sprockets which will surely scare you if nothing else AND will endanger your clutch-pusher-shaft-thing-a-ma-jig that sits a mere inch from the chain on the countersprocket.

You can kick the tire with your foot to achieve the same thing Adidas is talking about. Just be gentle on it.

Then, all you have to do is slowly tighten the adjusters until it's even on both sides.