Cleaned and lubed my 02 Raptor today. The left rear has slop in it when I move the tire side to side. Maybe an 1/8" or more. The right side does not have any slop in it at all. This probably has something to do with the 10 miles I drove it with a flat, dunno (carrying it on my back wasn't an option). Anyway, are the bearings difficult to replace? Any tricks to it? What do you recommend for replacements? Also, should I replace just the bad bearing, or both of them while I'm at it? I'm thinking both of them.

Thanks for the help in advance...

 

I don't think riding it with a flat would hurt the bearings.

I would replace both bearings at the same time.

They aren't that hard to change, just takes a little time.

Just use OEM bearings for replacements unless you can find some Timkens to put in it. I have never looked to see if they make any that fit.

The only tip that I know is to put the bearings in the freezer overnight before installing them. When you take them out of the freezer stick them in the bearing carrier quickly.

 

Thanks for the info. I don't think a flat would do it, but who know. Don't know why the bearing would be out. I only have about 100 hours on the quad. Guess I'll just go with the OEM bearings, like you said. Hopefully I can find a dealer that stocks them. My local dealer kinda sucks. They have to order everything.

Another question is on the chain. I have never adjusted my chain. I check it everytime I clean and lube it, but it's never out of spec. I'm using the $50 service manual. It's says to jack it up by the frame, spin the tires a few times, and make sure that the slack is somewhere between 1.17" and 1.65" (don't quote me on those numbers, I figure 1 1/2" would be about perfect), anyway, it should be about 1 1/2" slack at the tightest point. I am yet to have it out of adjustment. With a 100 hours, doesn't it sound like somethings wrong? I clean and lube the chain after each ride. Maybe I'm just going too damn slow.

Thanks...

 

oops

 

I also wouldn't think the bearings would have failed that soon. Have you checked the axle nuts and made sure they are tight? You might check that first.

I had to replace my bearings and seals in my 01 and I got *** bearings for alot cheaper then the OEM replacements. The seals though, they are Yamaha specific and can't be purchased from a any of the big bearing wearhouses. So they need to be purchased through your local stealership.

Good luck!

 

A couple of things to check would be: make sure the wheel hub nut is tight, also check that the movement isn't coming from the swingarm pivot bearings and the swingarm pivot bolt/nut is tight.

 

Dude, if you shake one rear wheel and it wobbles but the other rear tire does not, your bearings are find in the axle carrier. You have either:
A. A bad rear wheel hub
B. You need to retorque the axle nut on that hub. Try 100lbs of torque

 

My left rear axle hub nut comes loose every other ride. I just keep torquing it and putting thread locker on it.

 

I'll try tightening the wheel nut, and see if that's it. I'd feel stupid if that was it...On another note, anyone know of anyone looking for a nice 02 rap? I'm thinking about 5k. I'm burnt on the upgrades. I'm looking at putting another 7k into this thing, to get it where I want it. I've pretty much decided on getting a bike. That's what I originally started on. Rode a friends brand spankin' new KTM 550 tonight. That bike is perfect, it doesn't need a single upgrade as far as I'm concerned. I'm sold on it, but can't have 2 expensive toys.