How to remove 400ex arm from carrier?

[flyboy1294]

Hey guys.
I want to remove my arms to paint them on my 400ex. Is it possible to get them off from the carrier? I have already removed the nuts and coder pins from the bottom of the ball joint. I'm not sure how to go about getting them out, I tried tapping them with a hammer. Any ideas?

I attached pictures to help clarify. The thing I circled in red is the 'ball joint' I'm trying to losen in order to separate the arm from the carrier...

[coryatver]

hit the spindle as hard with a hammer and it will pop out.

[flyboy1294]

What do you mean by the spindle?

[slightlybent47]

They make a fork tool that will do the job better.
If you hit the end of the bolt to hard you will mess up the threeds.
You can put the nut back on and that will help to keep from damageing the threeds. If you plan on replaceing them then it don't matter.

Use the fork.

[slightlybent47]

Oh I see there stock better use the fork.

Take the break caliper off so you don't damage it.

[flyboy1294]

Where would I get the fork you're talking about?

[slightlybent47]

Not sure someone loned me theres whin I needed it.

Try a auto parts or motorcycle shop. I have one for my truck but its to big for the ex.
It's the same kind of tool used to do a fraims on cars only smaller.


Give me a few and I'll send a pic.

[flyboy1294]

Do you know what it might be called? I have a good idea of what you're talking about, but I need a name

[slightlybent47]

It looks like this.

http://i33.tinypic.com/21afuqq.jpg

[atv fan 28]

i would try hitting the spindle. thats the shiny aluminum piece that your hub bolts to! using a fork you take a chance on tearing your rubber boots.

[slightlybent47]

Yes that's true but I think the boot can be replaced.

[flyboy1294]

Alright I don't know what that fork is called. So I'm going to try to put the but back on and tap on it. We'll see how that goes.

[atv fan 28]

most poeple call it a pickle fork. btw do you have your quad up on a stand. it will take pressure off the ball joints and they will pop out easier

[slightlybent47]

Put some penatrating oil on it and put the nut on. and it might come off.

[flyboy1294]

I'll try the oil and yes its up on a stand.

[flyboy1294]

Alright I tried to oil everything up and put it on the stand and tap it out. I wrapped the hammer in a rag and I tapped both the spindle and the arm until the hammer ripped through the rag and started marking everything up. Any other ideas?

[slightlybent47]

Let the oil sit for a while and try again.
Other than that You mat have to get a fork. You might be able to rent one from a auto parts store.

[slightlybent47]

Get the penatrating oil not just plane oil.
It may need to sit over night.
Thats a taperd bolt and it may take a while for it to seep in.

[flyboy1294]

Alright will do.

I'll probably stop by Advanced tomorrow and see if they have one. How do you use it? Put the fork inside the spindle to where it applies pressure to both ball joints, then tap the end I'm guessing?

[flyboy1294]

Originally posted by slightlybent47
Get the penatrating oil not just plane oil.
It may need to sit over night.
Thats a taperd bolt and it may take a while for it to seep in.

I am using penetrating oil. I'll let it sit though.

[slightlybent47]

If all you want to do is paint the arms then it might be easer to tape and mask everything off and just paint them with them on.

[flyboy1294]

Originally posted by slightlybent47
If all you want to do is paint the arms then it might be easer to tape and mask everything off and just paint them with them on.

haha I'm starting to think the same thing.

And just out of curiosity, are the ball joints on the stock arms removable?

[slightlybent47]

No there pressed in I don't think they can be replaced. But I could be wrong

[slightlybent47]

Some times I get to focus on solving a problem that I some times forget why I was doing it in the first place..

[flyboy1294]

Yeah same here. But this is really just putting off a problem. I'm replacing my arms over the winter with +2s. But oh well...

[atv fan 28]

Originally posted by slightlybent47
No there pressed in I don't think they can be replaced. But I could be wrong nope they can not be replaced. you can always buy a ball joint seperater from honda!

[slightlybent47]

Sounds like it's time to abandon that job! LOL!!!

[slightlybent47]

Your gona love the +2's.

[flyboy1294]

Originally posted by atv fan 28
nope they can not be replaced. you can always buy a ball joint seperater from honda!

Just got them out. Thanks guys, I guess the oil did the trick. Can't wait to get these painted and built back wit 450r shocks.

[atv fan 28]

good deal!! im glad you got them out.

[flyboy1294]

Here are some of the results.

[flyboy1294]

Here is some of the hardware that is going on it... (not yet cleaned, just got in the mail this afternoon :cool: )

Other plans for this winter include.
ASV levers, 450r carb, Burgard +2s, Gorillamax ext axle, 250r hood, Ext pegs, and lots of powdercoating.

Definitely going to be an interesting build. Hopefully going to get it in racing condition by this spring.

[atv fan 28]

what color are you going with on the a-arms?

[flyboy1294]

Originally posted by atv fan 28
what color are you going with on the a-arms?

For these stocks I'm going to do a metallic maroon color. It should look pretty decent.

For the +2s this winter I'm getting them powdercoated Stealth black, along with a steath swinger and a redvein frame and subframe.

[flyboy1294]

Here is a pic of the shocks and stuff I forgot to post

[atv fan 28]

i wished i had them shocks for my 250R!

[flyboy1294]

Originally posted by atv fan 28
i wished i had them shocks for my 250R!

You'll wish so even more when you hear how much they were. $110, shipped. :eek:

[slightlybent47]

Thats going to look good.

Here is my 450 carb I just put in today. Still waiting on the throttle cable.
It fired right up and seems to work fine. I can’t wait till the cable gets here so I can ride it.

http://i34.tinypic.com/14e1jzc.jpg

[atv fan 28]

dont rub it in! lol do you want your money back on them? lol

[flyboy1294]

Originally posted by slightlybent47
Thats going to look good.

Here is my 450 carb I just put in today. Still waiting on the throttle cable.
It fired right up and seems to work fine. I can’t wait till the cable gets here so I can ride it.

http://i34.tinypic.com/14e1jzc.jpg

Good job, I like the adapter. I got the one from zrpilot in advance. Cost me $47, but in my eyes it was worth it.

[flyboy1294]

Originally posted by atv fan 28
dont rub it in! lol do you want your money back on them? lol

Haha I shopped 4 months to get a deal like this. Make it $210 then we'll talk. :blah:

[atv fan 28]

210 would still be a good deal!! to bad i dont have that much to spare right now or i would take you up on the offer!

[slightlybent47]

Those shocks look like they could use a re build. I here they work real good if you have rebuilt.
I have a set of stock ones on mine and they work pretty good. They were new when I got them so I figured I would wear them out first before I get them redone.

http://i36.tinypic.com/8xkew9.jpg

[flyboy1294]

Originally posted by atv fan 28
210 would still be a good deal!! to bad i dont have that much to spare right now or i would take you up on the offer!

Haha Well if you offered me that much I'd take you up on it. Can get a set of nice Works shocks for $300 used from a friend. Afterall, I am a shrewd businessman. :D

[atv fan 28]

Originally posted by slightlybent47
Those shocks look like they could use a re build. I here they work real good if you have rebuilt.
I have a set of stock ones on mine and they work pretty good. They were new when I got them so I figured I would wear them out first before I get them redone.

http://i36.tinypic.com/8xkew9.jpg im curious! how can you look at a shock and tell they need rebuilt?

[slightlybent47]

Thanks I came up with that today. I went to the hardware store determand to find something that would work.
Found a two inch hose adaptor and it worked. I think it was about 3 bucks.

[flyboy1294]

Originally posted by slightlybent47
Those shocks look like they could use a re build. I here they work real good if you have rebuilt.
I have a set of stock ones on mine and they work pretty good. They were new when I got them so I figured I would wear them out first before I get them redone.

http://i36.tinypic.com/8xkew9.jpg

Dang I like yours better than mine :devil:

Here is the only pic I have, it's a couple of months old. I've fixed it up a little since then.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j245/jerry42633/Powersports/100_0040.jpg

[slightlybent47]

The black plastic shields are all scratched up. It takes a lot of ridding to get them looking like that.
The fact that they are dirty doesn’t mean any thing but the plastic give it away.

[flyboy1294]

Originally posted by slightlybent47
The black plastic shields are all scratched up. It takes a lot of ridding to get them looking like that.
The fact that they are dirty doesn’t mean any thing but the plastic give it away.

You talking about my shocks?

[slightlybent47]

I still like the older hood scoop and lights. I wounder if a ram air could be put in place of the lights. That would keep things cool on those hot days.

[flyboy1294]

I like the look of the older ones too. Well I'm replacing the headlight assembly/front plastic with a 250r hood. I like the look of it a lot...

[slightlybent47]

Sorry man I didn't mean to dog your shocks. Ok will say gently used.

[flyboy1294]

Originally posted by slightlybent47
Sorry man I didn't mean to dog your shocks. Ok will say gently used.

Haha no offense taken. They are used. I just looked at the shock bodies and they don't seem too scratched up, just dirty. I think part of what you're seeing is my camera taking 3200x1600 pixel pictures. (To put that in perspective, if I printed it would be on a 32" sheet of paper) But yeah, they aren't perfect, but they'll do just fine for me :macho

[atv fan 28]

Originally posted by slightlybent47
Those shocks look like they could use a re build. I here they work real good if you have rebuilt.
I have a set of stock ones on mine and they work pretty good. They were new when I got them so I figured I would wear them out first before I get them redone.

http://i36.tinypic.com/8xkew9.jpg dang man! i see all the VP fuel jugs in the background! do you run straight race gas?

[slightlybent47]

I got the carb for $25.00 (used)
$27.99 for the hot start plug that didn't come with the carb.
$24.99 for the cable I orderd today.
For a grand total of $75.00 for the whole mod. LOL!!!!!!!

[flyboy1294]

Originally posted by atv fan 28
dang man! i see all the VP fuel jugs in the background! do you run straight race gas?

I do :D

[flyboy1294]

Originally posted by slightlybent47
I got the carb for $25.00 (used)
$27.99 for the hot start plug that didn't come with the carb.
$24.99 for the cable I orderd today.
For a grand total of $75.00 for the whole mod. LOL!!!!!!!

Nice, where did you get everything from? I plan on doing that this winter.

[slightlybent47]

I have been using U4.2 as a strait pure in but there has been a controversy on using oxygenated fuel with a air cooled motor.
So I am going to switch to VP 110 and mix it to bring the octane down some.

[atv fan 28]

i should have read more! you are using a 13:1 compression piston! you have to run race gas! duh!!

[flyboy1294]

Call me ignorant, but I really don't know, what octane is U4.2?

My local BP stopped selling 110, so I just get it from the local (very small) airport. $7.00 a gallon, but it could be worse.

[slightlybent47]

Got the carb from another racer from the origination I ride with.

[flyboy1294]

Originally posted by atv fan 28
i should have read more! you are using a 13:1 compression piston! you have to run race gas! duh!!

Yessir. I'm not sure but I believe its a +2 stroker. It's only has 15 hours on the build from the guy before me. He built cars for a living, and did a great job, but I'm not sure what he did to it :confused:

[slightlybent47]

U4.2 is 102

[slightlybent47]

I have saved a lot of money buy putting good used parts.

And I'm running 12:1 not 13:1

[flyboy1294]

Yeah that seems like the way to go. I'm going used on as much of this build as can. I don't have $700 for new arms. I'd settle for a nice used pair for 3 bones.

[atv fan 28]

i paid 350$ new for my Burgard a-arms for my 450r! for an everyday rider they work great! i have had them for almost a year with no problems at all. you wouldnt believe how much extended a-arms help!

[slightlybent47]

Lone star +2 axel with hubs and sprocket hub and break hub with lone star dubble carier bearing.
Jd +2 a arms
450 front shocks
Elka rear shock
450 carb
High capacity oil tank

All used for $700.00

[flyboy1294]

Thats doing really really good. Have you raced with that setup?

[slightlybent47]

I got it all through the org i'm with. It helps to make friends at the track.!!!

[slightlybent47]

Yes I have but did most of my racing whin it was bone stock and still spanked the 450 guy's!!! LOL!!!!

Here is one when it was stock.

http://i38.tinypic.com/95xz52.jpg

[slightlybent47]

Originally posted by atv fan 28
i paid 350$ new for my Burgard a-arms for my 450r! for an everyday rider they work great! i have had them for almost a year with no problems at all. you wouldnt believe how much extended a-arms help!


Those are nice are they long travle?

I'm guessing no. you have stock shocks.

[atv fan 28]

nope they are not! i wished they were! then i would have to buy long travel shocks! i just cant afford them yet! lol

[slightlybent47]

I here ya!!!

[slightlybent47]

Here's a good one.

Still all stock in this one.

http://i36.tinypic.com/x5w4rm.jpg

[slightlybent47]

Hey flyboy post up some pics when you get it put back together.

[flyboy1294]

Originally posted by atv fan 28
i paid 350$ new for my Burgard a-arms for my 450r! for an everyday rider they work great! i have had them for almost a year with no problems at all. you wouldnt believe how much extended a-arms help!

How you manage to do that? :eek2:

[flyboy1294]

Originally posted by slightlybent47
Here's a good one.

Still all stock in this one.

http://i36.tinypic.com/x5w4rm.jpg

Again very nice.

This is the only good one I have, its from this summer. It was still about the way I bought it.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j245/jerry42633/Powersports/100_0023.jpg

And I will post pics this weekend. Hopefully I'll have it done by then.

The entire built will require a new thread, and will come later this year. :D

[slightlybent47]

You look good. I hope that boots chest protector gloves and leeit brace is part of your rebuild.

One thing I know is that you can never have on to much ridding gear.

And by the way I was 48 years old in that photo last year.

I put you on my buddy list so maybe I'll catch your post when you get 'er done.

Good luck.


Where do you live? I'm in houston.

[atv fan 28]

Originally posted by flyboy1294
How you manage to do that? :eek2: i ordered them straight from Burgard! they was having a special on them one month so i went ahead and bought em. they usually run 450 for the series i got. they offer more expensive ones but for the type of riding i do the cheaper ones will do me!

[flyboy1294]

Originally posted by slightlybent47
You look good. I hope that boots chest protector gloves and leeit brace is part of your rebuild.

One thing I know is that you can never have on to much ridding gear.

And by the way I was 48 years old in that photo last year.

I put you on my buddy list so maybe I'll catch your post when you get 'er done.

Good luck.


Where do you live? I'm in houston.

I have a full set of riding gear (no armor like chest protector, but still I have boots, jersey, pants, etc)

haha that isn't to bad for someone that is 48. Hopefully I can stay in the sport for 30+ years.

I appreciate it. It's my first major quad build. We've done a few restorations, but not build ups.

I'm in south-central Kentucky by the way. A bit north of Houston.

[flyboy1294]

Originally posted by atv fan 28
i ordered them straight from Burgard! they was having a special on them one month so i went ahead and bought em. they usually run 450 for the series i got. they offer more expensive ones but for the type of riding i do the cheaper ones will do me!

Dang it. I'm looking at paying $300 for a used pair. :rolleyes:

[flyboy1294]

Kind of an update:

Arms are looking great. The red looks almost candy in the sunlight, and looks black in the dark.

I have one of the nuts on the shock mount knocked off, and am working on the other one as we speak (type/read?).

I do have a somewhat noobish question, what are you all using to adjust the preload collers on the 450r (or any other adjustable for that matter) shocks? Would a pipewrench and a cloth be enough to get the job done?

Thanks for all the help :macho

[slightlybent47]

Yes it would if it's a small pipe wrench.
I use chanel locks or a screw driver and a hammer will work.

[atv fan 28]

i use a spanner wrench

[flyboy1294]

Got the shocks adjusted. Things look good, going back together smoothly. Update with pics coming this evening.

[slightlybent47]

Cool man can't wait to see them.
On another note and I not trying to hijack your thread but I got the cable in today for the 450 carb I just put on and wow she feels strong.
To bad I got three inches of rain last night and this morning so I had to stay on the driveway and could only pin third gear for a second before I had to shut it down. LOL!!!

[flyboy1294]

Don't worry about the thread hijack. I can't wait to get into the 450r carb. The shocks couldn't have been easier.

On another note, I have $150 more than I expected that I made today. I need ideas for a good pre-teardown/buildup investment.

I need a new brake lever. And I'd like to get a 250r hood. And I need some peg extentions/new pegs.

So way I figure, I can get either ASV levers, or a Quadtech hood and a moose lever. That takes care of a need and a want. What does everyone else think?

[flyboy1294]

Ok here are some pics.

NOTE: it isn't totally done, I still need to touch up a few things, but I put it together for everyone else to see...

ALSO: I know the pics suck. It's dark here. I will get better pics soon.

First impressions were that 450r shocks were a bit firmer, but not much firmer than my stock shocks. They are MUCH smoother however.

Before
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j245/jerry42633/Powersports/101_0350.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j245/jerry42633/Powersports/101_0348.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j245/jerry42633/Powersports/101_0352.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j245/jerry42633/Powersports/101_0353.jpg
After
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j245/jerry42633/Powersports/101_0359.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j245/jerry42633/Powersports/101_0361.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j245/jerry42633/Powersports/101_0362.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j245/jerry42633/Powersports/101_0360.jpg

[flyboy1294]

I know it isn't perfect. But it was a fun project. And definitely a good start to an amateur race bike :p

EDIT: Hey Slightly, didn't you post some pics of you riding a few years ago? I noticed they disappeared? :confused:

[slightlybent47]

Man that looks good, sad thing now that you have done that it makes the rest of the bike look bad.

Once you clean one spot now you have to clean the rest. LOL!!!

That maroon looks great.

[slightlybent47]

Yes but I pulled them, I don't leave them up for long. You snooz you loose. LOL!!!

[flyboy1294]

Thank you, I'm pleased with it also. Yes I agree, it does make the frame look shabby.

But I'm replacing the arms and getting it ALL powder coated this winter.

Haha that's a bummer, I remember seeing a few good ones.

[slightlybent47]

Ok I'll put one back.

I have to be careful on the new ones cuz I have something on it that I am going to market and I can't let it be seen till I get it going.

This me in 1985 or 86 on one of the first quad racres that came out.

http://i38.tinypic.com/i44vwo.jpg

[flyboy1294]

Thats a good one. It'll never cease to amaze me hoe Honda didn't change a quad at all for 20 years.

OOoh I see. Gotta watch those patents...

[slightlybent47]

Thats back in the day before digital cameras.

Thats right on the Honda thing. there frame paint if you could call it that started rusting the first time I got it wet.

[atv fan 28]

what quad did they not change for 20 years?

[flyboy1294]

Originally posted by atv fan 28
what quad did they not change for 20 years?

300ex/250x

[slightlybent47]

Heres one on a 1984 Honda 250sx.
I once got a ticket on it for ridding a 9 mile wheele down the beach in Freeport TX on this bike.

It was the second one of the day.LOL!!!!
http://i38.tinypic.com/t02q6g.jpg

[atv fan 28]

it amazes me they only made the 250R for only 4 years. they was still winning races 15 years after they quit making them. i have a 250R and a 450R, but enjoy riding the 250 more.

[slightlybent47]

I loved the R's man they are still wicked fast even today.

[atv fan 28]

here is mine. i traded my 400ex for it!

[slightlybent47]

Here is my 86R I had a few years ago.http://i34.tinypic.com/2gulkm0.jpg

[slightlybent47]

atv fan thats sweet I never had the r four wheeler.

[atv fan 28]

Originally posted by slightlybent47
Here is my 86R I had a few years ago.http://i34.tinypic.com/2gulkm0.jpg very nice trike!!

[flyboy1294]

SB47: You seemed like a very talented rider, and no doubt has gotten better...

And I guess the reason the 250r didn't catch on was that quad racing wasn't a big hit at the time. It was before I was around, so I can only speculate.

The Banshee lasted as long as the 300exs though I guess. I don't understand why really...

[slightlybent47]

I payed 1800.00 for it and sold it 6 months later for 2600.00.

Kinda wish I;d of kept it.

[atv fan 28]

what do you mean the 250r didnt catch on! the r was the bike to have back in the 80s and alll the way up till they came out with the 450s. most pros will tell you they would rather race the 250 over the 450. but now these days rules are different than they once was

[slightlybent47]

never raced back then cuz all the racing that was going on was in California.
There was not a track around here that would even let you even get close to a track.
Strictly outlaw ridding back then. LOL!!!

And boy do I have some stories. LOL!!!

[slightlybent47]

I have to agree with atv fan that was the bike to have back in the day. The R or the quadracer.

[slightlybent47]

I also remember walking into a dealer and laying down a whopping $1800.00 for a brand new R back then.

[atv fan 28]

1800$!!!! i could have bought 3 of them for what i paid for my 450R!!! the LT was a good bike too, but when the R came out almost everyone switched. heres a old pic of my 86 LT250.

[flyboy1294]

Originally posted by atv fan 28
what do you mean the 250r didnt catch on! the r was the bike to have back in the 80s and alll the way up till they came out with the 450s. most pros will tell you they would rather race the 250 over the 450. but now these days rules are different than they once was

By "Catch on" I meant be as immortalized as the Banshee or 300ex have been (Being made for 15-20 years). Still, it's a shame they discontinued the R. I'd love to have a two-stroke quad. I've only ridden two-stroke bikes. The midrange is unbelievable on em.

Now it seems like all you can find are the $5000+ ones that have been decked for racing ,or the $200 ones that need a total rebuild.

[flyboy1294]

Here is one final update. I got it back together today. Looks great, feels pretty smooth.

[flyboy1294]

.

[flyboy1294]

..

[slightlybent47]

That looks good. Now it's the weekend and time to go get it dirty again. LOL!!!

I like the way you have the front fenders cut.

[flyboy1294]

haha I hope to get to try it all out Sunday.

Thanks, the fenders were cut that way when I bought it. I like it also. I'm looking into buying a quadtech 250r hood for it. I think it'll help compliment the fenders. :macho