Guys:

The last time I changed fluids in my '02 sportsman 500 (old style outboard hub style), the front left hub was dry, with nothing to change. Anyone else have this happen to them? I don't see anywhere that something is leaking. Where or why would fluids be able to get out of the hub? It doen't seem normal that these hubs could "use up" these fluids. Not enough stuff going on in there to do that. Any experience from you guys is appreciated. I'm assuming something isn't right, because the front left hub was fine.

 

Fill it up, and let it sit. Run it a little before hand though. You want to check for signs of leakage at the rear hub seal and the strut housing seal. You will probably see hud fluid in the inside side of the rim after lettign it sit for awhile.

 

I agree with BBScrambler. More than likely your inner seal (strut side seal) has a small leak. Wash the ATV really well around there and then wait to see oil on the inside rim / tire.

 

The hubs only hold a few ounces of trannie fluid. It is not unusual for the inner seal to wear out. Easy fix to take off the hub and reinstall a new seal. Last time I had to do this the seal was about $15.00

 

rickwalley,
I just had same problem. The seal was fine, but the wheel bearing adjustment was a bit loose so the hub rocked and the seal couldn't do it's job. Give the wheel a push/pull and see if there is any play. Should be none.