I have a 2005 Yamaha Big Bear 400 4WD with manual transmission that has what appears to be a bad rear wheel beraring on the non-brake side. I noticed the wheel was slightly loose, could shake it from side to side with some slop, looked on the axle and could see the wheel hub is not perfectly centered on the axle. Hopefully it has not ruined the bearing surface or axle.

I have never replaced the wheel bearing assembly before. Is this something I can do myself without having to go to the dealer? If yes, how do I remove old and install new wheel bearing assembly?

Thanks for any information.

Dave

 

wheel bearings arnt hard to change, if you have basic tools and a shop manual. if you dont have a manual, i would really sugest getting one, it will show you a diagram of the wheel and hub assembly.

 

What I found on my 2005 Yam Big Bear 400 4 wheeler is the rear wheel hub is a splined assembly. No wheel bearings at the wheel hub.
The problem I have is the shaft nut did not have a cotter pin in it from the factory, the nut backed off a bit which allowed the hub assembly to become loose on the splined axle shaft. No telling how long this has been loose but it has worn the splines in either one or both the hub and/or axle shaft.

I cleaned it all up, brushed all of the rust and corrosion out of the splines, applied marine grade grease, reassembled all, tightened up well with new heavy duty cotter pin. After a test ride in the woods, I found the wheel hub has loosened up again and is wobbling on the axle splines. I think the splines in one or both are worn to the point they cannot prevent the hub from being a sloppy fit on the shaft and it will wobble around.

I am guessing I will have to replace one or both wheel hub and/or axle shaft. If the rear axle has to be replaced, that will be a major deal as the rear end will likely have to be disassembed.

Any good Yamaha ATV mechanics out there? I need some info.

Dave

 

My rear axle nut also gets loose after a while. Does your rear end shake while your going slow?

 

Rear Axle, $306.00, wheel hub-60.00; from Cheap Cycle Parts.

Try Ebay or atv salvage yards, if buying used.