How to change front wheel bearings Kawasaki 400 Bayou 4x4

Kawasaki 400 Bayou 4X4 front wheel bearing install: This video shows how to do the install step by step. This job is actually pretty easy to do.  Like most of the other do it yourself fixes, this repair is on a Bayou 400 4×4, but can be applied to most other makes and models.  Before getting started, this is what you’ll need.

1. 1 1/16 socket
2. 12 mm socket
3. 14 mm socket
4. 14 mm wrench
5. 17 mm wrench
6.  rubber mallet
7.  hammer
8. snap ring pliers
9. impact gun

Bearing and seal kits are reasonably priced, most under $30 per side.  Each side requires two bearings and two seals.  Start by removing the wheel and tire.  Next remove the break caliber that is held in with two 12mm bolts.  Remove the 1 1/16 axle nut.  The steering arm must be removed by first taking off the two 17mm nuts and then using a impact gun to remove the two 14mm bolts.  Next the top ball joint 17mm nut can be removed and then strike the spindle, careful not to damage the ball joint.  The bottom ball joint can now be released by removing the 14mm bolt.  Some leverage is needed to spread the a-arms for complete removal of the assembly.  Once off, a bench mounted vise will make the job of removing the seals and bearings much easier.  Seals can be popped out with a screw driver.  Once seals are removed the snap wring can be removed with snap ring pliers.  Now just knock the bearings out, I used a large socket to accomplish this.  To install the bearings I used a rubber mallet, witch really helps to avoid damaging the bearings and seals.  Now just reinstall all the parts and you’re ready to go.  If all goes well during the install, budget about 1 hour of time per side.