Remove the axle cotter pin, and loosen the axle nut.
Using the jack under the frame pipe ribs, lift the rear wheel off the ground (see Rear wheel removal in the Wheels/Tires chapter).
Loosen the left and right belt adjuster locknuts [A].
★ If the belt is too tight, back out the left and right belt adjuster nuts [B], and kick the wheel forward until the belt is too loose.
Turn in the left and right belt adjuster nuts evenly until the drive belt has the correct amount of deflection.
To keep the belt and wheel aligned, the notch on the left belt adjuster should align with the same swingarm mark [C] that the right belt adjuster notch aligns with.
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/kawasaki/13/118558.jpg)
Tighten both belt adjuster locknuts.
Warning! Misalignment of the wheel will result in abnormal wear, and may result in an unsafe riding condition. Tighten both belt adjuster locknuts, and make sure the axle stays aligned.
Tighten the axle nut.
Torque - Rear Axle Nut: 108 NTm (11.0 kgf·m, 79.7 ft·lb).
Inspect the drive belt deflection (see Belt deflection inspection).
★ Readjust if necessary.
Insert a new cotter pin [A].
Notes:
- When inserting the cotter pin, if the slots in the nut do not align with the cotter pin hole in the axle, tighten the nut clockwise [B] up to next alignment.
- It should be within 30 degree.
- Loosen once and tighten again when the slot goes past the nearest hole.
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/kawasaki/13/118559.jpg)
Bend the cotter pin [A] over the nut.
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/kawasaki/13/118560.jpg)
Warning! If the rear axle nut is not securely tightened or the cotter pin is not installed, an unsafe riding condition may result.
Check the rear brake for weak braking power and brake drag.