rear axle is screeching

When Im done riding the left rear axle on my 2005 Honda rancher 4x4 es is very hot, pointing to friction. Ive been asking around and it seems to me that i might need to grease that axle or bearings or get a new bearing in general. tell me if my problem is what i think it is and if it is please tell me how hard it is to do by your self because Honda utility atv's are direct drives which ive heard is harder to do the job.thank you!