Rear axle bearing maintainence

[sheaff400ex]

I have had my 400ex for a year and a half. I was wondering if i need to take a look at the bearings. From what i understand they are sealed. I put it on the stand and shake the axle from side to side and there is no play.

[jwisniew]

the bearings should be fine if theres no play, but u might wanna take it apart and grease evry thing, cause on my 300 when the bearings went bad i had a **** of a time gettin the damn thing out. You might also wanna grease the swingarm pivot where it attaches to the frame.

[RideRed400EX]

I would check the bearings ASAP. The swingarm tends to hold water in and around the bearing carrier (water=rust=bearing failure). Loosen the pinch bolts after a ride and you'll see what I mean.