Time and time again I hear about problems with half shafts or CV axles on utility ATVs.
Ive had guys look me right in the eyes and say, “I just dont understand. I treat my ATV like my child and I need it to work!” Well if you treat your children like you treat your ATV then maybe half shafts arent your biggest concern.
CV axles will fail for many reasons, one being wear and tear. If you have a 1995 Honda Rancher and youve never done anything to it then don’t be surprised if things start failing. Not needing to work on your ATV doesn’t mean it doesn’t need maintenance.
CV axles will also fail due to torn boots allowing mud, sand, water and any other foreign particles inside where theyre ground up at each rotation.
If you add a lift kit and the stock axles aren’t replaced with extreme angle axles then expect premature wear down the road.
Most lifts state you can use the stock axles and you can, but in the case of the Yamaha Grizzly 660 Ive seen guys simply add spacers to the front shocks and turn the rear hubs upside down to gain lift. This works fine for a few years, but the extra steep angle of the rear CV joints combined with the riders weight will create heat and premature wear or axle failure.
CV axles need love too as they deliver the engines power to the ground. Next time you ride, check for tears in the boots or other problems. A quick once-over could save you from big problems down the road.
Watch Luke Lester go over a pre-ride checklist that could save you from bigger problems…
