[eurobro]

04 Foreman ES started making squeeling noises from the Rear Left side wheel. Look down and the wheel is a lil wobbly when jacked up and shaking 12 and 6 oclock (so instant instincts think of bad wheel bearing.) Well its 3 months later and I am attempting to fix it because of Mudfest this upcoming weekend (way to wait till the last minute).

Well I took off the left side of the axle tube to get started and look inside this thing and really have no idea what to do. When I ordered the wheel bearing 3 or so months ago I talked to 2 different dealers on trying to find out if their is a bearing in the tube or what, and 1 said yes, and 1 said no????? So just to be safe the one that said yes I had the parts person order me up the bearing and neccessary seals & etc...

Well this bearing looks very narrow compared to whatever the circular metal piece at the end of the tube is. Im stumped! Anyone ever change out a wheel bearing or ANYTHING that moves or would make a noise on the Rear Left axle tube or wheel?? Any help would be appreciated!

 

[AllHonda]

Yes there is a bearing in that tube where the hub joins into it,just remove the tube from the diff and use a long punch or bar and tap out the old one and replace it with the new one.

 

[dirty4man]

Allhonda is right, just remove the axle tube and knock out the old race and install the new bearing and seal.

 

[eurobro]

Cool thanks!

Is their a circlip holding it in or anything I need to remove prior to banging it out? Also what size is the new bearing supposed to be? It looks a lot skinnier than the wheel bearings that go in the front hubs. And which way does it come out, the short way or the long way? Im a idiot when it comes to 4 wheeler fixing, sorry.

 

[dirty4man]

no nothing holding it inplace but itself. Yes it is skinnier than the front wheel bearings. The bearing will knock out on the wheel side of the axle tube.

 

[eurobro]

Man I love this site! Thanks again.

 

[wvforeman]

I am in the process of doing the same thing to mine and I think my noise is coming from the differential bearing though but while I have it apart I am going to do them all....Any tips or trcks to doing the differential one?????

 

[AllHonda]

Petty much the same idea but you have to drain the gear oil and unbolt the diff and crack it a part,you just have to remember where the shims go.If you rear end has always been clean,no water or dirt in it,i doubt that is your problem.If you have it a part,I like to put oil in the drive shaft to help keep the seal lubed.

 

[AllHonda]

But you already knew all that your a Honda Tech.

 

[wvforeman]

I have it cracked apart about 1/2 inch but couldnt get it to go any farther...But I will try to work on it more tonight..I have to remove my Perfex Kit to have more room for it to slide out....Do I have to remove the tube from the right rear as well or just the left....Which way does the axle come out or does it?? I really need a manual for it but thats besides the point....

 

[trigger_time]

bearings

these guys are 100% correct !!! follow those steps and you should have no problem at all , but if you have a problem getting the race out i took a dremel tool with a cutting disc and cut in the center of the race . be careful dont go down to far or you will cut past the race and thats not good . the idea is if knocking it out is a problem then by cutting it in the middle it will be easier to pop out when tapping on it . just thought i would help out . trust me sometimes it can be a b**ch to get a race out .. good luck ...

 

[Warfighter]

I took my ride for a little test drive tonight, I'm was going to ride it today, but alas my front left tire is got a crazy wobble. Higher than 40 MPH is really shaky. i have been reading about bearings going out and don't have any play in the wheel. There was no popping or any noise at all. Any Ideas..

edit I figured it out, my rim is warped.

 

[wvforeman]

Well I got my axle shaft pulled out last night and brought it to work to have it cleaned up before I put it back in.....I have yet to finish taking the diff apart to replace them bearings but with working all day and then going home to a 1 month old I have no time really....Hopefully it will be back together by the weekend though....

 

[350hondaman]

trigger_time, i know you like you atv and all but do you really need to post a pic of it in EVERY topic you post in??

 

[wvforeman]

Well I had the guys at work sand blast my axle and I got the diff bearings on the way home from work now to do the deed....

 

[wvforeman]

Well I got it torn apart and back together....Runs smooth as silk now....Thanks for the tips....

 

[trigger_time]

350hondaman

350hondaman if it bothers u that much ill stop posting it !! good enough 4 u ? later .........