grinding sound, rear axle, 2001 400ex

[ddawg]

1) My 400ex is making a painful grinding and squeaking sound, I believe it is coming from the rear axle. When we propped up the 4 wheeler and set the back tires in the air, when we turned the wheels while in neutral every once in a while it would get hard to turn like something is binding up in there. Does anyone know if there is a common problem with rear axles in 2001 400ex's?
2) Where is the best place to get a shop manual to see how to take apart that rear axle housing to see what the problem is in the rear axle housing.

[Pappy]

that would be the moanful wail of a neglected bearing carrier. very common on machines that havent been maintained:scary:

its not a bad job, once you get the axle lock nut off its all gravy

[tim colston]

What maintenance would you recommend for the carrier bearing?

Thanks in advance.

Tim

[Rico]

buy a new one with grease zerk and grease it 4-6 times a year.

[rooster300ex]

Or replace the bearings if you don't buy a new one. If you do get a new one i recommend a double row bearing carrier. the bearing is double in width(each)2. You can get a rad bearing carrier on ebay or one like it with a grease jerk for 150 bucks or so and last a long time. I found a LSR carrier on ebay for 164 bucks & free shipping! That would be a good one. Just goto ebay and type in 400ex bearing or 400ex carrier. I think i even seen a few for 110 & a lil for shipping. hope that helps