Wow, I had no idea. Is this a widespread problem (thus the backorder)?

I thought that they pretty much used the dame design/parts as the 400/450 lineup and I never had any problems with any of those.

I'll keep my eyes on it.

Thanks!

 

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Widespread? Don't know. I know 4-Man-S (or TRX450) had all 4 of his replaced on his 450ES. I ordered the knuckle with the bearing and seal already installed, and it wasn't much more than just the bearing itself. I got one, but the other hasn't shown up yet after 30+ days. Don't know how much of that is the 9/11 effect, or just not maintaining a large inventory in the wherehouse. I think I may have accelerated the failure, or be the primary cause, due to the power-washing, so I will see how long the new ones last. The fronts haven't failed yet, just a lot of play, so I am replacing them now, and will install new bearings in the old knuckles to prepare for the next time. But I do think the open design on the bearings are crazy, considering that these ATV's are used in mud, and that left rear axle tube/hub design leaves that bearing exposed to everything, IMHO.