I bent my rear axle on my 2001 Raptor, it took a spectacular series of tumbles when I stalled at the peak of a steep hill climb. I really need to remember to fan the clutch! Anyway, its bent a little on the right side near the hub. Someone told me I can straighten the axle by putting the atv up on a crate. Then put another block under the axle near the axle carrier(to avoid damage to the axle bearings/carrier housing). Then remove the right rear wheel & gently take a sledge hammer to the axle & it should bend back in place. Sounds easy enough or is it? Anybody care to elaborate on other techniques or whether its worth it or not? It's actually not too bad of a bend, I rode it for a few hours after it was bent & I didn't notice it until I hit pavement & felt/saw the right rear wheel wobbling. I am pretty sure by the looks of the axle wobble that the axle itself is bent near the hub & that the wheel itself is not bent. I know I can just buy another stock axle or an aftermarket one but I don't feel like spending the money right now especially since I just replaced the axle bearings. Thanks to my buddy for helping with the bearings I can do all the labor myself if I need to replace the axle & bearings but I'd really prefer to straighten the old axle. Any thoughts?

 

bump

 

You will almost certainly trash your bearings if you use a sledge hammer. Remove the axle altogether and then try to straighten it.

 

A friend bent his and he took it to a machine shop and had it straightened. I think they only charged him like 25 bucks. it has worked fine for almost a yr now.
BM98

 

I agree. I have had machine shops fix a few bent axles for me.... usually no more than $50

 

chimmer, I would just take it to a machine shop, because you might just make things worse. It shouldnt cost more then $25.00. JMO

 

Thanks for the advice. Most places I called advised to just get a new one but I did find one place that wants $75 to do it. They mentioned it would weaken the axle but if it lasts a while its worth it. I think I will take Bartlett Bob up on his offer & use the 2002 axle & get the 2001 straightened & keep it as a spare.

 

Normally they have to heat the axle up to straighten it. The process will significantly weaken the stock axle.
If it was a Lonestar or any other aftermarket axle, that wouldnt be as much of a problem as the steel is of a much higher quality.

I dont think it is worth it, If I were you, Id take Bartlett up on his offer.........bargain with him [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]