Well, i had a big clanking noise coming from my rear axle, and i figured my chain was hitting my skid plate, so i took of the skid plate and it still made the noise. I put it up on a jack and found that my rear axle was moving in the carrier. It doesnt move side to side, but it wiggles a good amount foward and back. I know my axle is slightly bent, but didnt think it could do any harm. could that have messed up my bearings or something? I really want to get it fixed soon because the winter is coming to an end soon and its my favorite part of the year to ride in. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Bad news! you need to get that axle replaced asap and you will prolly need new seals and bearings. Next time something bents, fix it.

 

You need new bearings. Fix the axle too, or it will do it again. While you are replacing the bearings be very careful, the carrier is very fragile. Also do not ride it again until the bearings are replaced, because if you wait too long the broken bearings will destroy your carrier.

 

Could i bring the axle to a machine shop to straighten it, because it is not bent much at all. Like, you can not tell unless you are driveing on pavement. Also, what do you think a machine shop would charge to gix it?

 

You bent it once, now you want to bend it again,and you prolly will do the same stuff that bent it the first time so chances are you'll bend it again. How many times will it bend before it breaks? How hard will you be landing when it breaks? Where will you end up when it breaks? You get the picture.

You already see what happens with the "little" bend you have now. Its cheaper to replace it now while its apart for the bearing replacement than to keep replacing them things. (your carrier may be next if it aint rite)