I am getting a popping noise that is coming from the rear end. Seem more noticable when turning. ( Seem like its coming from the rear end or axle ) Could it be a bearing ? Not sure whats all in there - was wanting to try and do it myself rather than taking it to a dealer. any ideas ?

Thanks !

Troy

 

It could be the swingarm bearings, mine made all kinds of popping creaking noises when they were bad. To check them out, sit the entire quad up off the ground, or at least the back end up off the ground, with the weight being supported on the frame, not the swingarm. Then try twisting the swingarm by pushing one tire up and the other one down, then try twisting it the other way. If there is much free-play it's probably your swingarm bearings.

 

First off, welcome to the Forum!

First and foremost, do yourself a favor and buy a manual. I would recommend the factory Yamaha service manual. Using the manual and hooking up with a couple of members on here, I have had just about my entire Wolv in pieces, including the rear end and motor.

The rear end wasn't bad, but a hydraulic press and some huge sockets are a big help.

As for your noise, a couple things come to mind. The rear axle is splined in (3) spots...on each end, where the hubs slide on and in the middle, where the axle passes through the ring gear. You can pull the axle apart pretty easily by just following the manual. You can check the hubs, without taking the axle apart. You will have to pull the axle to check the spline in the center. Several people have had the center spline wear and it starts slipping in the ring gear.

Since you did mention that it seems to do it more while turning, I would check the axle first. The axle is one solid piece, so in a turn, the outer wheel has to travel further than the inner wheel, causing a bind of sorts. The axle bearings could also be bad and you can check those while you have the axle out.

Other things to check, rear drive shaft u-joint, check the shock mounts, and swing-arm pivot points (there are pivot bearings on both sides).

 

I had the same popping noise on mine. The swingarm bearings were totally seized/destroyed. They literally fell to pieces on removal.

If this is the case with yours, check your axle bearings and rear ujoint as well while its apart, it will save you headaches down the road.

As mentioned before, a service manual is a must.