[mudder fudder]

I am not the best at this either, but I really don't know why the knuckle bearings would have anything to do with your brakes. Now not having any resistance, I have already been down this road. The drum brakes are a poor and cheap design by Honda. I have the same bike as you and my problem was never fixed. It got to where everytime I went in any water and mud, I had to take them apart and clean everything out. This got to be an every ride thing. I complained to Honda and on this site, and I was turned on to the disc brake conversion. All I can say is it is worth the $350. You can look at the link below to get an idea if you are interested in having zero maintenence. If you do or plan to do alot of riding, I would strongly recommend the disc brakes!

 

[mudder fudder]

My experience would recommend both front and back. I only have them on the front. I have no brakes in the rear. I have adjusted and cleaned and replace until I gave up. Just having them in the front is ok, I would prefer them all around. If I only had one choice, I would actually go with them in the rear, just because when you have to get on the brakes real hard, the 4 wheeler lunges forward real quick. Just my opinion! Hope it helps