Hello everyone. I am new to the forum. My son and I are getting back into 4 wheelers. We recently acquired a 2007 TRX450ER and a 2007 TRX250EX.
We have been going through each quad and replacing any worn out or malfunction parts such as brakes, tie rods, steering shaft, tires, etc. We got a great deal on both Honda's however it has become apparent that neither owner kept up on any repairs or maintenance other than routine oil changes.
So here is the problem:
I was performing a front end alignment on the 250EX when I noticed something quite strange. With all four tires removed and standing behind the quad the entire rear axle appears to be shifted leftward.
Running a straight edge from the left rear (left as if you were sitting on the quad) hub to the front hub you can see that the left rear hub sticks out slightly further than the front by approximately .5 - 1.0 inch.
The exact same setup on the right demonstrates a completely different story. Running a straight edge from the right rear hub all the way to the right front hub shows that the front hub sticks out about two inches further than the right rear hub.
What I have checked so far:
1. All front suspension and frame - everything is straight and all measurements taken are equal in respect to distance from the frame to the front hubs. A arms are not bent. Nothing is loose.
2. Swing arm bearings - there is a little play in the swing arm and a slight gap on the left swing arm bearing housing, however this does not seem to fully explain the large difference I am seeing with the rear axle.
3. Rear axle - there is a slight bend to the axle when you spin it. The axle is tight within the rear differential. No abnormal noise when you spin the axle.
4. Rims - one of the rims has a fairly large dent in the outer lip like it hit something pretty hard. I can not remember which side it came off, but I am guessing probably the left given what I am seeing.
5. Tires - Brand new tires have been installed on the rims.
6. Wheels - Same problem with all 4 wheels attached and the quad on the ground holding its own weight.
7. Rear frame - examined the rear frame extensively and can not find any evidence of a bent or modified frame.
So at this point I must deduct that this is most likely an axle problem. Possibly the quad hit something or something hit it causing the bent rim, bent axle and this appearance of the axle shifted leftward.
Can the axle even be shifted one way or the other? Anyone have a suggestions on what I should check or try next?
I have starred at this for 2 days and I about to lose my mind so if anyone has advice or recommendation, please let me know.
Thanks everyone,
So far I am loving this forum!
We have been going through each quad and replacing any worn out or malfunction parts such as brakes, tie rods, steering shaft, tires, etc. We got a great deal on both Honda's however it has become apparent that neither owner kept up on any repairs or maintenance other than routine oil changes.
So here is the problem:
I was performing a front end alignment on the 250EX when I noticed something quite strange. With all four tires removed and standing behind the quad the entire rear axle appears to be shifted leftward.
Running a straight edge from the left rear (left as if you were sitting on the quad) hub to the front hub you can see that the left rear hub sticks out slightly further than the front by approximately .5 - 1.0 inch.
The exact same setup on the right demonstrates a completely different story. Running a straight edge from the right rear hub all the way to the right front hub shows that the front hub sticks out about two inches further than the right rear hub.
What I have checked so far:
1. All front suspension and frame - everything is straight and all measurements taken are equal in respect to distance from the frame to the front hubs. A arms are not bent. Nothing is loose.
2. Swing arm bearings - there is a little play in the swing arm and a slight gap on the left swing arm bearing housing, however this does not seem to fully explain the large difference I am seeing with the rear axle.
3. Rear axle - there is a slight bend to the axle when you spin it. The axle is tight within the rear differential. No abnormal noise when you spin the axle.
4. Rims - one of the rims has a fairly large dent in the outer lip like it hit something pretty hard. I can not remember which side it came off, but I am guessing probably the left given what I am seeing.
5. Tires - Brand new tires have been installed on the rims.
6. Wheels - Same problem with all 4 wheels attached and the quad on the ground holding its own weight.
7. Rear frame - examined the rear frame extensively and can not find any evidence of a bent or modified frame.
So at this point I must deduct that this is most likely an axle problem. Possibly the quad hit something or something hit it causing the bent rim, bent axle and this appearance of the axle shifted leftward.
Can the axle even be shifted one way or the other? Anyone have a suggestions on what I should check or try next?
I have starred at this for 2 days and I about to lose my mind so if anyone has advice or recommendation, please let me know.
Thanks everyone,
So far I am loving this forum!
That's all I got. Sorry. But, I have had the tendency to stare at things and wonder about them until I create a problem in my mind and lose sleep over something that might not even be a problem. 
