So I have a 91 Suzuki 250 2WD and I have noticed some wobble in the axle shafts directly after they come out of the crankcase. My first question is if this is normal or are those bearings worn out. I ready about it in my repair manual and the way it recommended changing them was with the engine totally apart. The quad is nice but not worth me taking it that far apart. Has anyone ever changed these bearings and if so could they give me some direction. Or should I just ignore it.

 

How Much wobble? I Apsolutely wouldn't take a motor apart on one of those for just one little bearing. If its not leaking oil out there, The seal is still good, meaning the bearings not letting the axle move enough to wear out the seal, So it should run a LONG time yet. They wobble a little anyways. I wouldn't bother unless like I said, its POURING oil out right there.

 

The wobbe on the shafts at the U joint is pretty significant to me. At least .050" to .100" of wobble on each side. The left side has leaked a little on the crankcase but not enough to leave a puddle of oil on the ground. And I only use maybe half a quart of oil every 100+ miles. I have a 4wd parts quad with about 1000 more miles than my 2wd (which has 2200 total miles) and it has play but was still going. But it had cv joints not universals. I guess I will just replace my rear wheel bearings and worry about these another day.

 

If your machine only has 2200 miles, theres no way they can be wore out. Mine has 7000+ and isn't wore out yet. You've got almost a new machine!

 

at what point on the shaft (how far out from the case) are you getting the .100" measurement from?

 

I am estimating this measurement at the location of the U joints. I would say it is no more than an inch or two from the side of the crankcase.

 

ooh thats quite a bit. think you can get a dial indicator on there and get a more precise adjustment? personally, i wouldnt allow any more than 0.050" of play that close to the case. and even then, thats quite a bit.

 

Ill have a measurment for you monday evening as the quad is at a buddys place where I ride about two hours away.

 

alright cool

 

Ok so i exaggerated a little bit. Put an indicator on and the worst side is about .025-.030" wobble at the u joint. However while measuring I figured out where I all the rest of the wobble was. Looks like I am going to either have to replace the U joints or axles as the U joints are getting pretty rough. Anyway, the left side has leaked ever so slightly but everything is holding for the most part and nothing is getting into the engine. So I guess I might start with wheel bearings and axles or U joints and go from there.