after jumping my raptor on some hard packed clay i noticed an odd noise coming from the swing arm area whenever i would rock my quad back-and-forth. i believe the noise is coming from the axle housing. i have tightened all the bolts and nuts (except the axle nuts), but the noise still there. if i put it in gear and rock it forward and backward until the chain grabs it appears that the "sprocket-holder" (not sure what that thing is called) is slightly loose from the axle (i'm talking 1/16" if that)... i think that may be causing the noise. anyone ever have this happen? if so, what is the fix?

thanks in advance for any help.

i should also mention that there is no binding or grinding. it rolls just fine.

 

... oh yeah ... and the brake rotor has a little play in it too.

 

Sounds like the bearings for sure.

Change the bearings and seals before the bearing carrier gets chewed up.

 

dont ride it until you fix it,,,,it will only make things worse

a kit is like 24$

 

The brake rotor is going to have play..that is normal..

but the sprocket carrier rides on splines in the axle...if there is play on the carrier...something is wrong.

It's time to pull it all apart and have a look. take off the carrier and pull the axle...check the bearings...and look for twisted or stripped axle splines.

 

ok, thanks. i'll tear it apart. i sure hope the axle splines aren't going! maybe using a 12-tooth front sprocket with the mods i have is too much for the stock axle...

 

not at all

bearings just wear out especially if you run in water at all

remove the right hub/tire
remove the 2 axle nuts(2 set screws on outer nut)
slide the axle out
seperate the bearing carrier(it presses together)
heat the bearing carrier (i put mine on top of my kerosene heater)(the aluminum will expand and the bearing will come out easier)
go with an aftermarket set of bearings/seals,,,,i dont like the OEM bearings at all)(like Pivot Works)
you may need to re chamfer the edge of the bearing carrier if it is damaged (to let the bearings out).

 

It is diffinately the bearings, I just had the same problem two weeks ago. Doesn't take very long to do. Another word of advise, clean the sleeve that slides on the that goes between the carrier. It will be a lot easier to put back on.

 

I had the same problem. It turned out to be that the bolts that held the carrier to the swingarm were really tight and had dirt stuck in them and just made noises when you roll it around.
Jack the back end, take off the back wheels and see if there is ANY play in the axle at all. if there is then bearings are in need.
However, don't rip it all apart and replace things that you don't have when it oculd be as simple as cleaning and re-torquing to the proper specs.

 

It's not normal for the rotor to have play. The caliper should move a little because quads use a floating style caliper. If the sprocket mount and rotor mounts are loose, the axle nuts are probably loose, which could lead to prematurely wearing bearings because mud and water have easier access and the axle is moving around a little.