Lots of good information. Im glad someone paved the way. Thank You Guys

 

Grinding Noise
On a steep hill I'm hearing a grinding type noise, especially if I roll back a bit and then give it some gas forward. It sounds like a plastic fender hitting a knobby tire. WTF.
I thought it was coming from the front left hub but now I believe its coming from the transmission. Any words of advice before I dive in blindly.

 

I should mention that it doesn't make any noises while shifting. It just seems to make the noise on steep or moderately steep hills at low speeds and it doesn't matter if in 2WD or 4WD. Rolling backward and then giving it some gas makes it worse. Not sure if its clutch, train or flatulence.

 

Check the chain and sprockets especially the front one as it can wear and jump splines,plus teeth can wear down. If you eliminate this area then it could be a silent chain in the gear case jumping teeth when under a load.

 

That was my first thought. I know the teeth wear off of front sprockets but never considered that the splines could be a problem too. I've learned a lot from you OPT.

 

Plenty of soft sprockets I had to deal with over the years. 3221042,3221044 sprocket numbers that I can still call out by memory on some of the atvs,but then I can't remember what I did yesterday..

 

I hear ya. I think I still remember the 13 digit NSN (NATO Stock Number) for 3 different M60 machine gun parts I had to order a bunch of 35 years ago. I think I know what I had for breakfast yesterday, but I'm not sure.

 

Thank You OPT for the advice!