[tommy]

I changed to oil and filter on my quad yesterday so I thought I'd check the other fluids as well. the oil in the rear gear case was quite milky so I kept changing it till it was coming out clear. Any ideas where to look for the problem? I've already checked the vent lines and they seem to be okay. Do I have to tear down the rear end to look for bad seals or something?
thanks,
Tom

 

[dirty4man]

Make sure the vent line is not plugged, it will create pressure in the diff. and open the seals to release the pressure and will let water in. U will have to remove the axle and tubes to get to the seals. Most likely there is sand and water in the axle tubes. So they will need to be removed anyway to clean and inspect bearings.

 

[tommy]

Thanks Dirty4man.
How do I remove the axles and tubes? Guess I should get a manual for it if I'm going to this myself.
Tom

 

[tommy]

Don't mean to confuse the issue, but the last ride I went on, the 4x4 light started flashing and it wouldn't go into 4x4. I had to turn the key off and then restart it to get it to start working again. This happened a couple of times. Is there something out of adjustment? Is there a reset for the computer? Thanks again,
Tom

 

[dirty4man]

if no holes in vent line and u havent had the bike in water over the seat. That only leaves the seals to let the water in. its not to bad of a job. The driver side is the easiest to remove. This side can be done without removing the axle, Remove the wheel, hub and unbolt bottom shock mount, next is the four 14mm nuts on the diff, undo these and the leftside tube will slide off. The right side will take alittle longer with the brake assem. Once u get the brake assem off, the axle will slide out on the right side.

 

[dirty4man]

QUOTE ("tommy":315o25gp)

Don't mean to confuse the issue, but the last ride I went on, the 4x4 light started flashing and it wouldn't go into 4x4. I had to turn the key off and then restart it to get it to start working again. This happened a couple of times. Is there something out of adjustment? Is there a reset for the computer? Thanks again,
Tom

If turning the key off fixed the problem, I would start with checking all the conections for water and corrosion. Fill all electrical connectors and fuses with die electrical grease.

 

[Honda Mechanic]

First count the number of flashes this will give you the trouble code ..

If your going to change the rearend seals you should change all 3 ( 2 axle & 1 pinion) but check the bearings first if any of them are bad your waisting your time changing seals ... But the water probably got in thru the breather ..

 

[tommy]

Thanks for the help. I'll recheck those vent lines first. I think the light was just flashing steady(no break in the code) but i'll check it next time I go for a ride. I'll check those connectors again too.
Thanks again

 

[tommy]

Finally got out for another ride and it started flashing again so i counted them- 2 flashes over and over. I think I'll leave the rear end seals for an over the winter job. Any idea what the 2 flashes mean? Thanks, Tom

 

[Honda Mechanic]

2 flashes is "front final clutch speed sensor" .. could be front speed sensor , wire harness connection , or FCC unit (final clutch control) .. First test is under the front fenders just in front of the steering stem disconnect the 3 pin gray connector .. with the key on test voltage between the black/orange & green wires on the wire harness side it should be battery voltage .. if ok ..key off check continuity on pink/black & pink/black there should be continuity ..if ok .. test between the pink/black & ground there should be no continuity...

then post back ..

 

[islanderr37]

i just experienced that problem. it was a bad bearing on the rear left side
it allowed mud/water in and it killed my ring gear and axle (where the two mesh) what a freakin mess. price for the parts up in canada is approx 640 canadian, i ordered the same new honda parts for approx 270 canadian form a place in the eastern seaboard (mr motorcycles) very happy with price.

 

[tommy]

Thanks Honda mechanic, I printed off your instructions. It's probably going to take a while to get back to it. It's benn real cold here lately -20 too cold to working in an unheated garage. I'll post back after i have a chance to do those tests.
Tom

 

[Honda Mechanic]

there are 2 o-rings that slide over the axle in against the ring gear on 1 side and the brake drum on the other side ..these are to keep water out of the axle/ring gear/brake drum .. but they should have grease on them once in a while to seal water out .. that's what will wear out the splines ..

islanderr37 what part of NS ..?.. is it Cape Breton .. I spent from Monday morning till yesterday (Thursday) traveling between Neils Harbour and Meat Cove .. I drove down Cape Smokey yesterday in the snow storm ..

 

[islanderr37]

yes honda mechanic , i am from cape breton new waterford area
do you work at ramsays? and what were you doing way the frig up that north. cape smokey couldnt have been to pleasent an experience. that mountain freaks me out in good weather.

 

[tommy]

well finally got at the rear end of the bike and took it apart- water inside both axel tubes. I'm going to get new seals from the dealer tomorrow (I'll get the pinion seal while I'm at it) What kind of grease do you recommend to use on the o rings and seal lips? The bearings seem okay so at least I won't have to go too far. It came apart a lot easier than I thought it would. Anything else I should do while I'm in there?
Thanks