Upgrade Your Honda ATV: Axle Buying Tips and Options

Reliability, innovation, and a rich history in racing make Honda stand out from the competition. The Japanese brand has propelled numerous champions to victory, designed practical and safe transportation for everyday use, and produced thrilling machines on two and four-wheels, from dirt bikes to performance side-by-sides.

With legendary rides ranging from the FourTrax to the TRX 200 and the first real performance quad bike, the ATC250R, Honda has built a cult following, with quads that meet different needs. Today you’ll find more than enough power in the racing-oriented Talon 1000R SXS, ample practicality and hauling with the worksite supervisor – the Pioneer 1000 UTV, and agile and go-anywhere performance with the FourTrax Rubicon ATV. 

Beyond its reputation for performance and practicality, Honda is known for outstanding build quality and reliability. The brand’s vehicles consistently rank at the top of rider satisfaction surveys and experience fewer breakdowns or major issues. With an extensive network of aftermarket and replacement parts, repairs are typically easy and fast. This includes basic components, ranging from a Honda ATV rear axle, to drive belts and brake pads. These coincidentally are parts that other powersports brands list as their most sought-after replacement gear.

ATV Axle Basics

Axles transfer power from the engine to the wheels, allowing the vehicle to move. While this may sound simple, axles endure extreme stress, especially in higher-powered ATVs with engines ranging from 86cc to 999cc. These parts support the entire weight of the vehicle, rider, passengers, and any extra gear, ensuring smooth handling and control during maneuvers. 

Honda’s stock ATV and UTV axles are rated for up to 10,000 miles under normal use. However, riding in challenging terrains or frequently navigating obstacles can shorten their lifespan. Longevity also depends on factors like the quad’s drivetrain, suspension type, and modifications such as lift kits or larger tires.

That said, seized, snapped and shredded axles are not uncommon. Thankfully, front and rear replacement axles are readily available from both Honda and aftermarket brands, even for older models like the Big Red and Rancher. Replacing these parts can be straightforward, requiring only basic tools and skills to get your ATV back in action.

Why They Fail

Axles are preassembled units consisting of metal shafts, CV joints, and CV boots housing lubricating grease. The driven axles face high friction and heat, as well as the strain of constant torque and impact from trail obstacles. Regular wear and tear can lead to issues with bearings, shafts, and CV boots. Before this happens, keep an eye and ear out for common symptoms of a worn ATV axle: 

• Clicking and popping sounds – These can be heard in turns, often pointing to increased friction in the joints and loss of lubrication. You may notice a drop in grip and traction and the quad harder to steer. Prolonged sounds can cause axle binding in the shafts and damage to connected parts such as the transmission and suspension. 
• Clunking noises – Be wary of clunking noises when braking or accelerating. This can be from damaged joints, and worn bearings and leads to excess play in the shafts. 
• Noticeable vibrations – Vibrations through the bars or the wheel in any Honda ATV or side-by-side are signs of misaligned shafts and joints, meaning unwanted play and accompanying noises. 
• Power loss – A damaged axle won’t turn or transfer power. This can be on one or more wheels. Damage means the quad will pull to that side due to increased friction. 

Considering Replacements

A spare and compatible front or Honda ATV rear axle is a handy addition to your cargo box. Most buyers are compelled to go with original Honda accessories and parts, but bigger ATV aftermarket names offer better build, improved quality, longer lifespans and more performance. And with numerous names vying for the same customers, there’s also better value and lower prices. 

Usually, brands have two or more versions – one heavy-duty axle that promises to outlast and outperform the stock unit that comes with your Honda and one or several severe-duty axles marketed towards the high-performance models like the Talon or bigger-engined Pioneer UTVs. Besides the stockier build and premium materials, the latter also allows for better wheel articulation with improved angles in the joints and increased maneuverability in technical trails and mudding. 

Axles geared for machines averaging 50hp or less (the TRX and FourTrax models) go with treated and durable 5140-grade steel in the shafts, more metal for thicker diameters and reduced fatigue and can handle higher stress rates. Machined joints provide crisper power transfer, industrial bearings allow for lower friction and higher impact resistance, while the thick natural or synthetic rubber boots run circles around the thermoplastics in factory units in terms of puncture resistance and overall strength. Assembled this way, aftermarket axles can handle higher engine loads with longer periods on the gas, the abuse regularly seen on technical rides and heavier loads in Honda’s UTV range like the Pioneer 500 and 520.

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Severe-duty axles take durability a step further.  4340 chromoly steel increases shaft strength to deal with the higher torque, RPMs, and power numbers in the Talon and bigger-engined Pioneers, CNC-machined joints offer effortless power transfer, the thicker neoprene boots wick away rocks and road debris and industrial-grade induction treated bearings ensure smooth rolling. Lubrication duties are assigned to high-pressure moly grease that promises reduced wear even at high temperatures. Besides durability and longevity, Honda enthusiasts get to enjoy a more agile machine, with axles suited to racing, rock crawling, and hauling half a dozen passengers to the worksite. 

Choosing among brands is a personal preference when buying axles in the same price bracket. Lesser-known names though have produced top-tier axles for Honda and other ATV brands, often with better build than the usual contenders. Ensure the axle is compatible with your Honda, has been real-world tested and certified and comes with a warranty.