I got a '99 big bear 4X4. It's going to need rear bearings very soon, so I am ordering them now. I just need to know how many bearings I need to order? The reason I ask is because I have a 250SX honda and that has about 6 maybe more bearings (I don't remember). The way it looks to me, it's gonna be either three or four. Any one that has torn into one can you tell me if there's any special parts I have to look out for wear? I am also having problems with the front brakes. I just recently did and all around brake job on it. There were these little metal things on the piston side of the caliper, I'm guessing some sort of spacer. Well I didn't put the back in but now my brakes are sometimes hard, other times I have to pump them once or twice. is there air in the system? I didn't open anything on it up except for the lid on the resevoir to let the fluid back up inside. any help will be appreciated.

 

If you are just replacing the axle bearings. there are only two... If you have differential oil leaking out of the side of the case, then more than likely the ring gear bearings are also bad...
Its not that difficult to tear down and fix, carburetor cleaner in a spray can works great for degreasing the components.
Every Yamaha I have worked on, the entire rear end needed new bearings.. no matter what year model or make... You can find all the bearings at bearing supply houses cheaper and better than Yamaha... EXCEPT FOR ONE... It is a Yamaha only bearing... It is the inner Ring gear bearing... its a flat roller bearing... that will have to be bought a Yamaha.
Good Luck