We have (2) 2001 400exs that both leak water from the rear swingarm when adjusting the chain. As soon as the four bolts are loosened, out pours about 4 ounces of water. Do any others have this problem and how have you solved it?

Thanks!

 

Mine and all of my buds 400EX's do that. We've wondered if that is causing the grease to washout of the bearing carrier, but thusfar, no.

It doesnt seem to be causing any problems, but one of my friends drilled a small drain hole in the bottom of the axle. Of course, what lets water out, will let water in, so its 6 of 1, half-dozen of the other...

 

Word to the wise, slide your rear axle carrier and repack with grease!

Water + moving Bearings = Bad bearings quickly
Hope this helps
Brett

 

Same here. My 400ex is 2 years old and I only had to replace the rear wheel bearings once. I think as long as you lossen the 4 allen bolts after you ride in deep water(doesn't even have to be deep) and leave to dry overnight, I can't see any problems. That's what I do with mine.

Taking apart your axle just to regreese bearings seems im-practicle to me. The more you mess with something(loosining the 2 big nuts) the more it will wear and will have to be replaced. Besides, these are sealed bearings. Correct me if i'm wrong somebody, but I don't think you have to greese sealed bearings.

looking at it from the other side though, water won't make contact if there in greese over the seals and bearings. Mud is what makes having greese in your rear end bad. it will gring away at the seal and eventally the bearing.

but anyway, I don't think there is a fix for this(besides drilling a small hole at the bottom of the swingarm) so just lossen the bolts and let dry. Don't forget to tighten the bolts before you drive again!

 

Yeah, the bearings will be fine...if you can get the axle and the spacer out. You should pull the axle and just lightly grease it. Usually you can get away without replacing the bearings. But, the seals usually rip. This is what i've done since i've bought my 99, and I'm still on the stock bearings.

 

Thank goodness thats one problem my Raptor doesn't have. Now If I get my Yellow 400ex I have to worry about carrying that heavy load of water around. There is no drought now in Indiana but when there is and with all the 400EX's running around the water problem could be solved with this knowledge. Chet