What exactly are the rear end problems on this model? Did it plague all 98's and/or was there a change after Serial Number xxxx? Is this something Suzuki will take care of, or am I on my own just fixing it myself at my cost? What exactly needs to be done to fix this properly? Thanks in advance for any answers you can give me.

 

Rear end problems?

 

I havent heard of any problems, but I know that some of the 98's, after being riden in deep water, found that water was getting past the seals and entering the rear end. The recommendation was to frequently change the axle oil when riding extensively in these conditions. But that rule also apply's to trucks that launch boats and completely submerge the rear axle, they must change the rear end oil frequently as well. I think that it should be part of the regular maintenance to keep an eye on this anyway.

 

I WAS 1 OF THE GUYS WHO HAD REAR END TROUBLES WITH MY 98 QUAD500....THERE IS A SEAL WHERE THE DRIVESHAFT ENTERS THE REAR END....THIS SEAL GOT BEAT OUT OF ROUND AND ALLOWED SAND AND DIRT TO ENTER WHAT SUZUKI CALLS THE DRIVE SHAFT COUPLER(THIS IS SEPERATE FROM THE RING/PINION GEAR. IT IS NOT A REAL CHEAP FIX BUT KNOCK ON WOOD WE HAVE BEEN WATCHING FOR IT EVER SINCE AND THE SEAL IS STILL STAYING GOOD THIS TIME...