Ozark 250 - please help with replacing axle / differential bearings
 

I have all the parts and ready to go, but don't really have a procedure to follow. Does anybody have some advice on how to proceed with replacing these bearings? Thanks.

How bad is your original rear end? Broken bearings, all corroded inside?

Removing the original bearings can be difficult, esp if you don't have experience with extraction of bearing
races installed in aluminum housings. There is an inside nut that retains the pinion gear bearing that you
must be able to unscrew. Study the parts diagram and service manual first before attempting. Photos
are good, too.

I think the rear end is ok. The quad was working fine, but making awful noise. There is definitely play in the axle bearings.

The rear axle rides on 4 bearings: 3 are in the final drive pumpkin, and one is in the rear brake housing.

Take the brake housing apart first, then you have to push the axle thru the final drive housing. You have
to split that housing to replace the bearings. You can use aftermkt bearings. The service manual is a
good idea to have.

Ok. I downloaded the manual and have the bearings. We will take it apart tomorrow. Any hints on re-setting the ring and pinion gear mesh?

Reinstall the shims that are already in there and the ring/pinion gears will mesh properly. You only need
to re-shim if you change the gearset.

Thanks for helping. I am stuck where the axle is still in the diff. It won't slide out. I have hit it with a rubber mallet, but it seems pretty damn stuck. Am I missing something? Is there something holding it back or is it rusted on the splines? Thanks.

ok, figured it out. I had to pound the axle out of the differential. The bearing was seized onto the axle.