I have a well-abused lt160 I just got . It has new brakes. I've recently noticed an intermittent rubbing, almost grinding noise, which I think is either brakes too tight, or a bearing. It also coincides with a recent ride we had with a fair amount of deep water.

Any easy way to determine problem before I start yanking stuff apart? Are there front wheel bearings on this?

 

I got it figured out. for anyone with the same Q or problem; Put atv up on a block.spin rear wheels and jam on brake a buncha times. it should release as soon as you let go, and you should be able to spin it freely. do the same for front wheels. my left front brake was binding. took it apart and greased the cam. also, adjusted lever 1 notch looser on cam. then slacked off adjustment at hand brake lever.works great for now.

there are inner and outer wheel bearings inside the front brake drums. if bearings were problem, wheels would feel rough when you spin them, and you'd hear more grinding noises. I haven't diassembled the rear, but I think there are only bearings set well back from the wheels, inside axle housing.

thanks for the help me! LOL.