I noticed that one rear wheel was wobbling on the axle of my 2005 Yamaha Big Bear 400 4 wheeler. I thought it would be a bad wheel bearing but after pulling the wheel and wheel hub, I discovered that is a splined assembly. There is no wheel bearings at the wheel hub.
The problem I have is apparently the axle shaft nut there did not have a cotter pin in it from the factory, the nut backed off a bit which allowed the wheel hub assembly to become loose on the splined axle shaft. No telling how long this has been loose but it has worn the splines in either one or both the wheel hub and/or the end of the axle shaft.
I cleaned it all up, brushed all of the rust and corrosion out of the splines, applied marine grade grease, reassembled all, tightened up well with new heavy duty cotter pin. After a test ride in the woods, I found the wheel hub has loosened up again and is wobbling on the axle splines. I think the splines in one or both are worn to the point they cannot prevent the hub from being a sloppy fit on the shaft and it will wobble around and continue to wear.
I am guessing I will have to replace one or both wheel hub and/or axle shaft. If the rear axle has to be replaced, that will be a major deal as the rear end will likely have to be disassembed.
Any experienced Yamaha ATV mechanics out there? I need some info.
Thanks, Dave
The problem I have is apparently the axle shaft nut there did not have a cotter pin in it from the factory, the nut backed off a bit which allowed the wheel hub assembly to become loose on the splined axle shaft. No telling how long this has been loose but it has worn the splines in either one or both the wheel hub and/or the end of the axle shaft.
I cleaned it all up, brushed all of the rust and corrosion out of the splines, applied marine grade grease, reassembled all, tightened up well with new heavy duty cotter pin. After a test ride in the woods, I found the wheel hub has loosened up again and is wobbling on the axle splines. I think the splines in one or both are worn to the point they cannot prevent the hub from being a sloppy fit on the shaft and it will wobble around and continue to wear.
I am guessing I will have to replace one or both wheel hub and/or axle shaft. If the rear axle has to be replaced, that will be a major deal as the rear end will likely have to be disassembed.
Any experienced Yamaha ATV mechanics out there? I need some info.
Thanks, Dave