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yamaha1470
07-30-2002, 06:10 PM
Hey I have heard that 400EX's carriers wear out quickly because they are not lubed enough from the factory. What is the carrier and how can i lube it so it doesnt get messed up?

Thanks
Razorback
07-30-2002, 06:50 PM
the carrier is in the swingarm and the axle goes through it. the carrier has two sets of bearings on either end. these bearings allow the axle to rotate smoothly, while keeping them snug and tight. there is a steel sleeve that lies between the two bearings. the bearings are sealed, so that means the grease and bearings are encased in a housing. you can't maintain these. the sleeve however needs to be greased well, to allow it and the axle to rotate smoothly and to keep the water out.

water in bearing carrier = bad news. when water gets in, it will cause the sleeve to rust and the bearings will prematurely wear. unfortunately, the stock carrier for a 400ex requires you to take the axle completely out to lube it properly, instead of having a zerk grease fitting, which most other quads have. the zerk allows you to add grease occasionally without taking out the axle, which is MUCH easier to do. many of the new aftermarket carriers have the zerk fittings, so i recommend getting one when your bearings begin to get worn.
OutlawEX
07-30-2002, 11:14 PM
Sounds Like a personal problem,lmao,JJ
ridefastrgetoff
08-06-2002, 08:48 PM
even when you are frequently greasing ? If you look real close, you may see rust spots forming even under the film of grease. Not all greases work for all applications; since most of us submerge the axles you need a really good "Water Resistant Grease" to keep the moisture out. Also, you want that grease to not wash out and stay in place. Another source of moisture ingression is when the bike is power-washed and water is forced into places it would not ordinarily go. The protection you seek can be obtained without buying a high-dollar, name brand or racing grease.

www.SyntheticsExcel.com
Razorback
08-07-2002, 07:45 AM
yeah, i'm with you. i've always used marine axle grease for boat trailers, mainly because i had some of it, but i figured it would work well for the 400ex, especially the rear end where a lot of parts get wet.