I bought this atv from a guy local the other day. Told me it was a 2001 but it has selectable 4x4 so I'm assuming it's a 2002? Maybe late year model 2001? It seems to run and ride good. The only issue is that the front left tire has a bad lean to it. The top of the tire leans hard towards the atv. The right does a slight bit too but not nearly as much. I've checked and tighten all balls joints and bearings seem fine. The brakes don't work and I'm going to just do a fornt brake disc conversion but would like to fix the leaning tire first! I know it would be hard to tell but hoping someone may be able to tell me what's wrong? I'm thinking something is bent. Thanks!!
2001(?) Honda foreman 450 S 26 inch mudlites, winch, 3300 miles 670 hours
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Welcome to the forum .....
Like those 450's .....
Like those 450's .....
n thanks for posting pics!
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Welcome to the forum... I am also a recent addition to the forum and have found a wealth of knowledge using the search feature... but it can get expensive rather quickly!!!
As far as the tire leaning in... With the tire off the ground is there any play/movement in the tire.. from pushing in on the top or bottom... or from side to side w/ the steering locked???
I would look at the wheel bearings, suspension bushings, ball joints, etc... possible that something is bent?
As far as the tire leaning in... With the tire off the ground is there any play/movement in the tire.. from pushing in on the top or bottom... or from side to side w/ the steering locked???
I would look at the wheel bearings, suspension bushings, ball joints, etc... possible that something is bent?
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Is it possible that a lift kit caused this? Other wise there must be a bent A frame or maybe a bent main frame.
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Couple things to check
Worn out lower shock bushings
Upper A-arm bushings
wheel bearing
I had a real nice 450 I bought come in just like that - turned out the previous owner had the ramps slip out on him driving it up on his lifted truck - it flipped and landed right on the left front tire bending the upper control arm mounts.
Worn out lower shock bushings
Upper A-arm bushings
wheel bearing
I had a real nice 450 I bought come in just like that - turned out the previous owner had the ramps slip out on him driving it up on his lifted truck - it flipped and landed right on the left front tire bending the upper control arm mounts.
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Welcome to the forums , I have a 2002-450FW , I always thought 2002 was the first year of selectable 4x4 , look at the 10th digit of your vin and that is the year , there should also be stickers on the front frame tube and under the seat , it will give the model number , I think up to 2001 was a TRX450S , 2002 up was a 450FW ---------------- Not only the wheel bearing could be worn out , but the hub's shoulder that goes into the bearing gets worn and gets loose inside the bearing race , also the bearings will get loose in the knuckle itself by wallowing out the bore the race sits in -------
Thanks for all the replies! I may see if I can't find a used a arm and replace it and hope it straightens out! Now I'll need new ball joints and bearings for that a arm correct? I'm wanting to do a disc brake conversion up front and I feel like with the tire leaning it will be real bad for the disc? What y'all think? If I'm not able to straighten it and add the disc brakes you think they will operate right and or take excessive wear?
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if you were to replace both a-arms , you would need one ball joint , the second ball joint is in the knuckle , if I were to change one then I would do the other at the same time---- I have disc on my 450 , pretty sure I have some pics on the thread 2002 TRX450FW , the FW which is the same bike as the S , with a few electrical differences , one being selectable 4x2 ----- as far as your lean goes , if it is the bearings and there is a wobble , I think it will eat up the disc quicker
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Yeah.. definitely wouldn't start throwing parts at it until you figure out the root cause of the wheel leaning... First thing I would do would be to jack up the front of the ATV.. making sure to jack up on the frame and not the suspension.. and check the wheel for play... top to bottom and side to side... if the wheel is leaning pretty bad... any play should be VERY obvious... if there is no play.. then I would look for parts that may be bent. Compare what the good side looks like to the side that is bad. If you could post pics I'm sure that you might be able to get some better suggestions...
With the wealth of knowledge on these and other forums and youtube... If you are not capable of performing general diagnosis... I would recommend taking it to someone that is..
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Hi and Welcome to the forums!!!
So after hours of labor and lots of money later I still have a leaning left wheel.... I replaced all the balljoints, bearings and seals in the front end. I also replaced the front left knuckle because you could see it was bent. I guess it's not a bad thing I have all new front end parts just wish I would have fixed the lean. I also put on my front brake disc conversion kit. Haven't had time to ride it yet though. I'm assuming the frame is bent somewhere. At this point I guess I should just ride it and enjoy it. It is 16 years old with over 3000 miles so it's not going to be perfect. As long as i stay off payment i don't think the tires will mind the lean too much! Thanks for all the help anyways! My next project is trying to convert all the lights to led. I found some led bulbs to fit the bottom two lights but im needing help fidning the top work light bulb? And one know of a replacement led bulb so i can use the stock housing? Thanks!
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