All ATV riders know when it’s time to replace the tires. However, there’s an equally important part that needs just as much attention. When wheel bearings get faulty, many issues can come up.
ATVs are built to conquer tough terrains, but even the most durable machines need regular maintenance, right? Wheel bearings are one of the most overlooked components of an ATV, a small but essential part that can cause big issues if neglected.
So, if you want to keep your ATV running the smoothest, learn the signs of a damaged wheel bearing and how to replace it. In this article, we want you to understand how to determine if your ATV Wheel bearings are bad, and also how to replace them.
What Is a ATV Wheel Bearing?
A wheel bearing is an important part placed between the wheel and the axle. It helps in minimizing friction while allowing smooth wheel rotation. Bearings act as a barrier between the axle and the wheel, eliminating metal-to-metal contact and reducing wear.
Inside the steering knuckle, the bearing is composed of small steel balls or rollers encased in a metal ring. These balls allow the wheel to rotate freely, absorbing shocks from rough terrain and supporting the weight of the ATV.
But if A non-functioning wheel bearing will cause excessive friction on your ATV’s wheels, increasing its wear and causing other parts to be damaged.
Symptoms of Bad ATV Wheel Bearings
Did your last ride go a little rougher than you expected? Have you felt the wheels feeling loose, or is the steering wobbling or shaking? Several things could cause this, but one of the main causes is worn out ATV Bearings. Fortunately, you don’t have to break out the power tools immediately to determine exactly what the problem is.
We have mentioned a few tips that you can note to track if your ATV wheel bearings are not working:
- Wobbling Wheels
If you feel your ATV’s wheels wobble or shift side to side during a ride, this is a strong sign of worn-out bearings.
- Clicking or Popping Sounds in Turns
A loose or broken bearing may create clicking noises when turning corners, especially when inertia and weight shift to the side.
- Noisy Driving on Straight Paths
If you hear rumbling or grinding sounds while driving straight, especially when veering left or right, it’s a sure sign the wheel bearings are nearing failure.
- ATV Pulls to One Side
If your ATV pulls to one side while braking, it may be due to uneven wear in the wheel bearings. This can cause one side to slow down faster than the other.
- Uneven Tire Wear
If your tires are wearing out unevenly, it could be linked to faulty wheel bearings. This is often accompanied by other symptoms like noise or wobbling.
Taking no action could lead to more serious issues such as suspension component damage or even complete loss of control.
What Happens When ATV Wheel Bearings Break?
Now, if you face the symptoms mentioned above, then you must know the consequences as well. It is not just your ATV’s wheels that are affected when wheel bearings fail. In the long run, bad bearings can lead to tyre damage, brake wear, and also suspension damage.
A malfunctioning bearing creates unnecessary friction, heat, and stress, making the entire suspension system work harder. This not only degrades performance but also poses safety risks, especially on challenging terrains.
How to Check ATV Wheel Bearings?
Every technical component requires regular checkings, It is the major part that you need to play for your ATV maintenance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to determine if your wheel bearings are in good condition:
- Lift Your ATV
Using a jack, raise your ATV so the wheels are completely off the ground.
- Wiggle the Wheel
Grab the top of the wheel and try to push it in and out. If it wiggles or moves, it’s a sign the bearing is worn.
- Spin the Wheel
Rotate the wheel by hand. If you hear grinding noises or feel resistance, this is another sign of a bad bearing.
If you notice any movement elsewhere on the wheel, it probably indicates an issue with your tie rods, not the bearings.
What is the Best Time to Check ATV Wheel Bearings?
If you’re a reckless rider who enjoys rough terrains, it’s a good idea to check your bearings every month. For casual riders who stick to smoother trails, a quarterly inspection might suffice.
Now, when is the best time to check them? The best time to check your ATV wheel bearings is during regular maintenance, especially when changing tires or servicing the suspension. Regular inspections can prevent larger problems in the future.
Are Bad Wheel Bearings Safe to Drive?
It is highly risky to drive with a bad wheel bearing and can result in several types of safety hazards. It is possible to lose control of the ATV if the bearing fails, as the wheel may lock up or behave unpredictably.
Additionally, worn bearings can reduce the effectiveness of your ATV’s braking system, increasing the braking distance and increasing your risk of an accident.
Furthermore, continuing to drive with defective bearings can lead to damage to other main components of the ATV, which will ultimately result in more expensive repairs. For these reasons, the safest course of action is to replace or repair your wheel bearings as soon as you detect any issues.
How Often Should You Replace Your ATV Wheel Bearings?
If you’re wondering when to replace your ATV wheel bearings then let us clear one thing that it totally depends on where and how you ride. If you use it on smooth tracks, ATV wheel bearings can last for years, but if you constantly push your ATV through mud, water, or rough terrain, you may have to replace them more frequently.
Wheel bearings should be inspected and potentially replaced every 06 months, or more frequently if you ride aggressively.
How to Replace ATV Wheel Bearings?
Replacing ATV wheel bearings requires some technical know-how, but it’s a job you can do at home with the right tools. Here’s a basic guide:
- Lift the ATV but make sure the vehicle is stable on a jack or lift before you begin.
- Take off the wheel to access the brake caliper and hub.
- Use the appropriate wrench to remove the bolts and set the caliper aside.
- Then, remove the hub and steering knuckle, that will give you access to the wheel bearing.
- After removing the hub and steering knuckle, extract the old bearing by using a bearing press or a hammer and socket.
- Next, carefully insert the new bearing into the steering knuckle.
- Now, Reverse the steps above to put everything back together.
Be sure to refer to your ATV’s manual for specific instructions regarding your model.
What Tools and Equipment Do You Need to Replace Wheel Bearings?
Wheel bearing replacement for ATVs is relatively simple, and you won’t need too many special tools to get the job done but only the following items for a DIY ATV wheel bearing replacement:
- Bearing/Seal Kit: Purchase the correct kit for your ATV model.
- Jack or Lift: For raising an ATV.
- Socket Set: To remove bolts and nuts.
- Impact Driver: Useful for removing stubborn bolts.
- Bearing Press or Mallet: For installing and removing bearings.
Having the right tools will make the replacement process smoother and more efficient.
How Do You Make Wheel Bearings Last Longer?
To maximize the lifespan of your wheel bearings, follow these simple maintenance tips:
- You must Grease your bearings often to prevent dirt and moisture from causing premature wear.
- After you come back from muddy or wet rides, make sure to clean and inspect the bearings to prevent corrosion.
- Avoid your ATV to be in contact with water and mud because it can easily infiltrate the bearing seals, causing them to wear out faster.
The cleaner and greased are, the longer they last.
BYWB ATV Wheel Bearing Size Chart
Here is the list of the BYWB Items, their references, and descriptions:
| BYWB Item# | All balls Reference | Description |
| 85-1003 | 25-1003 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1005 | 25-1005 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1008 | 25-1008 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1023 | 25-1023 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1035 | 25-1035 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1037 | 25-1037 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1042 | 25-1042 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1044 | 25-1044 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1083 | 25-1083 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1108 | 25-1108 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1112 | 25-1112 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1122 | 25-1122 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1123 | 25-1123 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1132 | 25-1132 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1150 | 25-1150 | Wheel bearing |
| 85-1216 | 25-1216 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1273 | 25-1273 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1293 | 25-1293 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1299 | 25-1299 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1313 | 25-1313 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1315 | 25-1315 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1317 | 25-1317 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1331 | 25-1331 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1404 | 25-1404 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1424 | 25-1424 | Wheel bearing |
| 85-1434 | 25-1434 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1456 | 25-1456 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1460 | 25-1460 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1461 | 25-1461 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1463 | 25-1463 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1496 | 25-1496 | Wheel bearing |
| 85-1497 | 25-1497 | Wheel bearing |
| 85-1500 | 25-1500 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1510 | 25-1510 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1513 | 25-1513 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1515 | 25-1515 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1516 | 25-1516 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1536 | 25-1536 | Wheel bearing |
| 85-1542 | 25-1542 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1572 | 25-1572 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1615 | 25-1615 | Wheel bearing |
| 85-1628 | 25-1628 | Wheel bearing |
| 85-1682 | 25-1682 | Center Support Bearing |
| 85-1688 | 25-1688 | Wheel bearing |
| 85-1689 | 25-1689 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1693 | 25-1693 | Wheel bearing kits |
| 85-1751 | 25-1751 | Wheel bearing |
| 85-2075 | 25-2075 | DIFFERENTIAL KIT |
| 88-1056 | 28-1056 | SWING ARM KIT |
Final Remarks
So, summing it up with the conclusion that never ignore if you get the signs that show your ATV wheel bearings are worn out. You should inspect your wheel bearings regularly not only for your safety but, you can avoid costly repairs without any worry.
No need to worry if you’re an off-roader or use your ATV for work, keep an eye on your wheel bearings to ensure it lasts longer.
Get in touch with BYWB’s team today for high-quality ATV wheel bearings that will keep your ride running smoothly and safely. Choose durable, trusted bearings for tough terrain to improve your ATV’s performance.
