Adjust drive chain & rear brake issue on 2008 Outlaw 450 MXR

Just recently purchased. Having issues adjusting drive chain. I loosened the two rear axle housing pinch bolts, inserted a rod into the rear axle housing and moved the vehicle forward and backwards to try and tighten chain with no luck. Am I missing a step or ?? Is there a certain area the rod or pin punch needs to go into the rear axle housing? I am placing it thru the sprocket into the housing and moving the quad forward and back. either direction nets me nothing. Also having issues with rear brakes. reading some posts, it sounds like issues with rear master cylinders are common that either have to be replaced or rebuilt. Any idea’s besides spending $131 on a new master cylinder?