Grizzly 700 wheel bearings question

[icefisherman]

Over the weekend noticed some very small, limited play in each wheel when garbing it with both hands (6 and 12 o'clock position).
Wondering if it is wheel bearing that might need replacements. Bike is only 3400km ...is it normal to replace bearing so early?

I can hear no rumbling and no issues when turning...just small play when pushing/pulling with both hands on the wheel/tire. Also checked carefully and didn't see any play in tie rods or ball joints. They all seemed solid. The only small movement I can feel on my finger when touching the hub and the axle boot metal part at the same time while my wife is trying to move the wheel...i.e. does seem like possibly wheel bearing.

Kind of puzzled though....how will all 4 bearing go bad at the same time at so few kilometers?

Thought I should ask before going and buying new Kawasaki wheel bearings and do the replacement.
Is it normal to have a small play?

Do I replace all 4 bearings or do I keep driving AS IS and see if it gets more obvious problem before doing anything?

 

Cheers,

Ice Fisherman

Edited March 29, 2016 by icefisherman

[ecmilley]

Some will have a small amount of end play and others will not. Best to check with your dealer on your models specifications then go from there.

Seen bearing issues on all makes of quads at that mileage best to check first

[ch312]

Is it normal to have a small play?

Do I replace all 4 bearings or do I keep driving AS IS and see if it gets more obvious problem before doing anything?

 

Cheers,

Ice Fisherman

 

No, small play is not normal. There should be zero play on every bushing and bearing connected to the control arms on a grizzly from the frame out to the wheel and any play means it's time for replacement.

 

A bit of play is usually fine for a while, but the bearings really should be changed as soon as you notice play when wiggling the wheel. Riding with bad bearings will cause premature wear of the control arm knuckle bushings (upper and lower in each knuckle) and can eventually lead to the knuckles being permanently damaged. That said, you should check the knuckle bushings while you're at it since your new bearings will wear out much quicker if they're paired with worn bushings. Replacing both at the same time is the better and more long term repair. They simply slide out of the knuckle. New ones will be smooth from end to end while worn ones will have a small "step" about 5/8" from each end.

 

It only takes about 2 hours to change all 4 bearings. Much quicker if you have access to a press to remove/install bearings.

[captpierre]

Watching this thread for answers.

Lots of knowedgable folks to hear out.

Am wondering why you would get Kawasaki parts for a Grizzly?

[icefisherman]

Am wondering why you would get Kawasaki parts for a Grizzly?

 

Same Koyo OEM bearing but Kawasaki one is half price (or less) than the Yamaha one.

 

Cheers,

Ice Fisherman

Edited March 29, 2016 by icefisherman

[captpierre]

Cool. Does that apply to Honda machines too?

[misfish]

Check out your local CB

 

http://www.canadianbearings.com/DeliverMore/

[Terry]

 

Same Koyo OEM bearing but Kawasaki one is half price (or less) than the Yamaha one.

 

Cheers,

Ice Fisherman

 

cool i will keep that in mind if my 700 griz ever needs bearings

Edited March 29, 2016 by Terry

[misfish]

 

cool i will keep that in mind if my 700 giz ever needs bearings

 

Your WHAT,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[Terry]

sorry yamaha grizzly 700 lol

better

[misfish]

sorry yamaha grizzly 700 lol

better

 

Bigger badder yamadooooo

[Terry]

yup

[misfish]

Sorry for the side track Emil. Blame Terry,

 

 

You have a pm bud.

Edited March 29, 2016 by Brian B

[icefisherman]

haha no worries guys...

Brian, I did check CB but they were higher priced than the Kawasaki dealer.

 

Cheers,

Ice Fisherman

[misfish]

My only question is quality. Price difference aside.

 

I,ll get back to you later today bud.

[icefisherman]

The Kawasaki/Koyo ones are OEM quality made in Japan same as the original bearing Yamaha uses on the new bike.

 

Cheers,

Ice Fisherman

[misfish]

Koyo bearings from CB are 60 bux. That's direct from Koyo supplier.

[icefisherman]

Thanks Brian...CB in Mississauga quoted me over $40 the other day...seems Kawasaki dealer is best price in Canada....short of buying it online from the US. Which I might end up doing.

 

Cheers,

Ice Fisherman