First post so bare with me. I have a '02 400ex that I just bought used about 1 month ago and the last time I rode the rear axle was moving from right to left about 1 1/2" in between the brake rotor and the chain sprocket. I did a search for this issue but didn't find any posts. The bearings do not make any noise and it rides normal. Can I fix this just by tightening the lock nut or do I need to replace the bearings? If anybody has had this issue any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks.

 

If it moved and moves that much, then crap got past the seals. You need to disassemble, the axle from the carrier, and clean and inspect it all, before just reclamping the lock nut. Its important to get all the water and dirt out of there, because if the carrier starts to wear out, it gets expensive to fix.

 

IF THE AXLE IS MOVING THAT MUCH YOU NEED TO REPLACE THE BEARINGS & SEALS

 

See my comments here: http://forums.atvconnection.com/mess...did/518467.cfm