[jakedog]

Hi -

I'm helping my uncle work on his 93 fourtrax trx300fw. He is getting a clicking sound from the left front driveshaft (at the front differential). The clicking is worse when turning. The boots have been cracked for about 10 years and he delayed service (until now). Does this ATV have tie rods? Is it likely a broken tie rod or damaged differential? Thanks for the help guys.

 

[julio]

Had the same problem on a 90 trx 300. turned out to be the outboard cv joint on the left side, only happened when turning. I believe the sound travels through the shaft and makes it appear to be inboard. Check colour of diff oil. If milky change it. Also look for fileings in oil just to eliminate diff as problem. make sure boots are good. only remedy I know of is to repair cv joint
Later

 

[jakedog]

Thanks for the feedback. The inboard boots are cracked / duct taped, so I think the problem is on the inboard side. Is this a easy fix? What tools are required? Thanks

 

[julio]

Complete disassembly of affected side needed. If possible raise bike off floor on jack stands so you can remove nec. wheel, brake drums and backing plate has to come off. do not disconnect brakeline not necessary. Remove lower nut on lower ball joint and knock loose. undo tie rod end at nut and knock loose. Do not tap on threads The half shaft may side out if you lift the spindle ass. upward. if not you may have to tap it inward while lifting on the spindle ass. Place the axle nut on the shaft before tapping so as to not damage the threads. Once you have the axle shaft frre of the spindle ass, you can give it a sharp tug and it may pop out of the diff. If it doesn't come out use a pry bar between the diff and the inboard cv. It shouls pop right out. You can then take the half shaft apart by removing the boots. You will have to inspect for wear. If you see any scoring on the cv mating surfaces that may be your click. If scored they have to be replaced. Make sure on reassembly that you have ample grease and that the boots are in the grooves on the cv'c before tightening the clamps. There are special pliers to crimp the clamps. not expensive, Hope this helps

 

[Pain]

For a newer bike ['93 probably qualifies] you can find the entire shaft already built for probably in the $100-150 range, and considering the time and effort to rebuild the shaft it might be an attractive price.

Or, you can look on ebay and find used parts.

 

[Helmut]

For a newer bike ['93 probably qualifies] you can find the entire shaft already built for probably in the $100-150 range, and considering the time and effort to rebuild the shaft it might be an attractive price.

Or, you can look on ebay and find used parts.

Like Pain said, just changing the whole shaft might be the best way to go. It would be a lot easier, too.

 

[Billy250X]

Agree^^^^^^^^!!!

 

[shadetree]

not nearly as messy..thats for sure !.lol.

 

[Helmut]

not nearly as messy..thats for sure !.lol.

Yep, that grease in those CV joints is extremely messy.