As the topic states I have a 04 Kodiak 450 that I run the crap out of. Last weekend I snapped the swing arm in two places wich required a good washing and a tear down. I noticed my rear axle bearings are loose and should be replaced but not sure of the difficulty level or the need of special tools. Any one been there yet? Do I need to split the case to get the axle out? If so is this something a dealer should do?[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

 

you can remove the axle without messing with the rear diff. But if your bearings have been bad for a while you may need to check the bearings in your diff too. (water and junk from bad bearings and bad seals will cause the diff bearings to rust and go bad.
No special tools are needed at all. And if you dont have a manual just take pics with a digital cam as you remove parts.
Jack it up and remove both rear wheels...........remove your rear brake caliper..........remove the hub on the brake side........pull off the brake disc...........now grab the axle from the non brake side and pull. If it doesnt slide right out thread the nut back on the brake side of the axle and tap with a hammer. (dead blow or brass head hammer works best)

 

Awesome! Sounds much easier that the front bearings. I've allready got the swing arm out just been a little shy about the axle. I was afraid things might fall apart inside. I've got 1500 hard---hard---HARD miles on it and still running strong! Love the yamaha's Thanks for the info.

 

I put 7,500 hard miles on a 2000 Kodiak 400 4x4.
I also have an 03 grizz with 5,000 miles on it. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Seems as though I have alot of miles left on mine. O.K. I ordered the bearings and seals, I'm gonna buy a cheap bearing puller set from harber freight, and I'm gonna get my swing arm all welded up this week so if every thing goes well I'll be back in the mud Sunday! YEA!!

 

no i changed them in a 2003 special edition 450 kodiaik and all i needed was a long punch a hammer and alot of fluid film it only took me about 3 hours

 

by the way your axle pulls out from the left side nothing falls out