Honda Rincon Forum banner

Front end issue

3K views 14 replies 4 participants last post by  Oilcan 
#1 ·
Okay, so I have done a major rebuild on my front end to include wheel bearings, ball joints, and A-arm fittings. But both wheels appear to be loose like the wheel bearings are shot. I haven't torn it down yet, so I don't know if maybe the wheel bearings are shot again. But they would have less than 200 miles on them. So I'm guessing my outer joints at the end of the axles are shot or maybe the knuckles. Once again, just fishing right now to see if anyone has had a similar issue. I'll hopefully get the wheels taken off tonight and see what is shaking, literally. I'm pushing 4,000 miles on her so I can see why I may need to replace some other stuff.
 
#3 ·
Oilcan,

No, I don't think so. I know the upper ball joints are not Honda brand, but I'm sure the wheel bearings are Honda. I try and always stick with Honda parts. Do the All Balls brand wear out fast?
 
#4 ·
Heard lots of problems over the years with the all balls bearings.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Oilcan
#5 ·
you got it Phil, stick with the Honda bearings.... did you press them in or did they drop in? The latter would indicate the knuckle , Easy to check the ball joints with a pair of channel locks, they should be hard to compress, the boot not ripped and greased (you can use a needle to get inside the boot (grease needle)) With the front end off the ground and supported so it won't fall on you, inspect the connections, Tie rod ends and ball joints. The axle nut should be tight no back and forth movement if you tug or push on the wheel. Hands at 12 and 6 push and pull, while looking for obvious movement, then switch your hands to 3 and 9 do the same thing. Could be anything up there so be patient , have a bright light and move everything. :) Lastly, time...about 15 minutes to check, it's a 2 beer task :)
 
#6 ·
Thanks guys. I did have the bearings pressed in, so that should eliminate the knuckle. I had the same dealer press both bearings in and to my fault, I assumed they were Honda, because they are a Honda dealer. But when I got my last two ball joints, he gave me All Balls brand and I asked why and he said they fit more machines. I also questioned why they were more expensive. But I was 2 days from going on a ride so I had no choice. I'll jack her up tonight and see what I can find out. Worst case I'll pull the knuckles and take them both into the dealership and see what they say. And order Honda wheel bearings if I have to. Good info on the knuckle.

On a side note, I have been doing some work on my Teryx. Amazing how big all the parts are on the front end on that compared to the Rinny. But a 1,200 Lbs machine verses the Rinny, I guess I understand why.
 
#7 ·
Phil,

it may be possible to over tighten the axle nut therefore causing the bearing to have to much of a side load and that will cause them to fail quickly. I have also seen times where a new bearing will come with next to no grease under the seals. I like to pop out the seals and repack the bearing before installing it.
 
#8 ·
Shane,

Good to hear from you. I think I will take both hubs off and replace both bearings. I'll have the shop press them in, but I'll grease the heck out of them with Bel-Ray waterproof grease. I'll also use a torque wrench to put them in at the right torque settings. I can't do squat right now. I messed up my back moving my dads stuff out of the nursing home. I'm getting better after 3 trips to the chiropractor!! Sucks getting old. That new Honda Talon sport SXS is calling my name!!
 
#10 ·
Okay, the back is in good enough shape to tear the Rincon down. I took the right side off first. The wheel was loose like a bad wheel bearing. I took off the hub and the good news is it was greased up really well, and the bearing seamed fine. So I pulled the axle. Not sure if you can see it in the pictures but there is a pretty good wear mark on where the wheel bearing sits. I'm guessing this is my problem. But I'm taking it to the dealer tomorrow. Looks like I'll be getting two new outboard joints or two new axles as I'm not sure if they just sell the joint.

If you have experience with this, please post.
 

Attachments

#11 ·
I had to drop off my wife's car for work today and I showed him a picture of the axle and he said they were worn down really badly. Then I went to the Honda dealer and he confirmed those outer joints are shot. I have probably ridding it too long on bad wheel bearings and they wore down the shaft where the wheel bearing sits. One note, Honda does not sell just the outer joint without the axle. And that is $165.00 each. But the dealer can get EPI outer joints for $70 each. So I had them order those and they will install them when they get them in.

Looking at the replacement part, it's painfully obvious that mine were in bad shape!
 
#12 ·
I replaced the two outboard joints and I'm pretty sure that fixed it. I haven't taken it for a good ride yet. I have completely lost my mind and I bought a 2010 RZR 800 the other day as I found a guy desperate to sell it. So I have been toying around with that. Nice machine, not sure I'm ready to transition into the sport SXS yet, but this is a good start. I know I can sell it for what I paid for it if needed.

Once I take the Rincon on our next trip I'll know if she is good to go or not. I'll bring the RZR as my back up machine.
 
#14 ·
Yea Oilcan your right. Not to mention my RZR has Elka Shocks, and aftermarket seats. Almost too comfortable. The Falcon?? I thought Honda was coming out with one named the Talon? I know Honda makes a motorcycle called the Falcon, but I think it's only available overseas. Either way, I'm interested!!
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top