I have a modded 99' 400ex. I was just wondering when the rear hubs should be replaced. this isn't cheap thats why i've been holding off. If the rear end is in the air I can wobble the tires a little. The axle nut is tight. Can I put some washers on to take up that slack? I know this somewhat of a stupid question but I thought I'd ask anyways. Thanks

 

If it were mine, I would jack up the rear end, take off the chain and spin the rear tires and see if it rotates smoothly with no drag or noise and also check side to side play. There should not be much if the bearings are in good shape. If there is play or noise or is dragging more than it should then it could be the bearings in the rear hub and you just need to replace them. In most cases the hub is not the problem, its just the bearings but in worst cases where the bearings have come apart and its been ridden for a long period of time that way, the hub may also need replacing. Good luck.

 

Its not the axle carrier bearings. I have a +4 axle with a lonestar axle carrier that just repacked with grease, the axle has 0% movement side to side or in a rotating motion. the movement is right at the tire which is bolted to the hub which slides onto the axle. I just need to know if the play can be taken up with washers or do new hubs need to be bought.

Thanks

 

Take your hubs off and check the splines on both the axle and the hubs. I don't know if a EX uses a "spacer" on the axle, but if the axle splines are worn out, take the spacer off and then put the hubs on with the spacer on the outside and tighten. If the splines on your hubs are worn out you'll need to replace them. Sometimes if the splines aren't too bad you can clean them up with a small file and some patience. Washers may help you get it tight, but don't over torque, that causes stretching and makes them wear out faster.

 

I don't have a 400ex but I once read in a dirt wheels that there is a nut on the inside of the hub that needs to be tightened if the wheel is loose. I don't even know if this applies to a 400ex but you could take the wheel off and look.

 

Sorry, I missed the question for sure. Do as Trap suggested, he gave you good advise.

 

I also have this problem on my 99 400EX. Im glad you posted, I was just about to!

 

Pitbull,
I also have a LSR axle on my 400 and my hubs come loose, too. No matter what I do whether it's loctite or tightening it as hard as I can they still come loose after about week or two of riding. My hubs are in perfect shape maybe it's just something that's going to happen.

 

Every ride I've had, the hubs come loose. It's just something you gotta check every once in a while. Just put the back axle on a jack stand and grab the wheel and see if it wobbles any at all. If it does, get out the socket wrench and tighten it. If you don't, you can be like a friend of mine had her wheels wobble and didn't pay attention to it and ended up screwing up a Durablue axle. That was expensive.