Wobbly Wheels and ATV Wheel Bearings

Your ATV takes a beating! Whether you're using it strictly for work on the farm or taking it out riding muddy trails with your buddies on the weekends, sooner or later something is bound to go wrong. After a great day of riding, there's nothing worse than driving it home and noticed it just doesn't feel right. After inspecting it from top to bottom, you finally have a buddy ride along side. There it is, plain as day. That dreaded wobble wheel. What do you do next?

If a wheel starts wobbling, there's a pretty good chance that it's an ATV wheel bearing gone bad. Wheel bearings have two functions. They allow the wheels of your all-terrain vehicle to rotate with minimal function and they support the ATV's weight. To properly perform these functions, they must be in good condition.

Symptoms of a Bad Wheel Bearing

• Snapping or Clicking Noise - A snapping or clicking noise especially when making sharp turns often indicates a bad wheel bearing or one that has not been properly clamped.
• A Grinding Sound - A harsh grinding sound usually means there has been damage in the wheel-end system. In the case of a wheel bearing, it can mean roller or raceway damage.
• Rumbling and Growling Noises - A rumbling noise is usually caused by vibration when driving in a straight line and is intensified when turning to the left or right slightly. Normally, you will find that the defective wheel bearing is located on the opposite side of the rumbling noise.
• Pulling to the Side When Braking - Often a pull to one side during breaking indicates a defective caliper, but this is not always the case. If a bearing is excessively loose, it can also cause your ATV to pull during braking.
• Uneven Tire Wear - Uneven wearing on your tires can be caused by extremely worn or loose bearings.
• Loose or Wobbling Tires - A tire that wobbles or moves during driving is almost always a sure sign of a bad wheeling bearing.

Once you determine you have a bad wheel bearing on your ATV, you generally have two options. Option number one is to take the ATV to a professional to have repairs made and get stuck with a large repair bill. The second option is to perform the repair yourself. Fortunately, this is often the much better option.

Replacing ATV Wheel Bearings

Replacing the wheel bearings on an ATV is a simple, relatively inexpensive task that can be completed by almost anyone. Begin by finding you correct wheel bearings. The Big Bearing Store offers a large assortment of ATV wheel bearings or wheel bearing kits that include all the bearings and seals needed to replace one wheel. Once ordered, you can have your new bearings in hand in less than a week, and if you happen to order the wrong bearings, it's no problem. Simply return new, unused items in less than 30 days.

Once you have the correct wheel bearings, remove the wheel. Many ATV riders suggest placing new wheel bearings in the freezer overnight to aid in installation. With the wheel removed, take off the large nut that holds the hub on the axle. An impact wrench works best for this job. After removing the hub, the spindle needs to be removed. This also involves disconnecting the ball joints and steering tie rod which are held in place with a nut on end of a tapered shaft. Now, remover the nut and pry the ball joint loose. Once you have the spindle, remover the clip that holds the bearing into place. Remove the old bearing and clean the inside of the hub to prepare for your new bearing. Once your new bearing is properly installed, you’re ready to put the wheel back together.

There are many detailed tutorials online to assist in learning how to properly replace your ATV wheel bearings. Learning to do this valuable skill yourself, will save you a great deal of money over the lifetime of your ATV. To find your correct wheel bearings, contact us today!