Brake job on Honda 4 wheeler

[Gary Fowler]

I am looking at purchasing a used Honda 4 wheeler and the owner says it needs a brake job. Can someone describe what this entails and about what it costs. Can this be done at home by a slightly decripid old 62 year old fat man.

 

[dex3361]

I am looking at purchasing a used Honda 4 wheeler and the owner says it needs a brake job. Can someone describe what this entails and about what it costs. Can this be done at home by a slightly decripid old 62 year old fat man.

Which model? I have a ES450 Honda that has drum brakes.

 

[jimmyj]

My honda has drum brakes too. It's quite easy to do the front wheels, in fact I'd describe it as simple. The back is easy to put the new pads in but the brake adjustment can be tough to get right. There are two cables and two wing nuts that tighten or loosen them. One way is too tight, the other too loose.

If it's not expensive I'd pay somebody to do it.

 

[cdaigle430]

Depends on exactly what he means by "it needs a brake job" For the most part it's not a bad job. Most of the bigger bore Honda ATVs used disk brakes since about 2005.

Drum brakes are pretty strait forward but you need to make sure that they remain sealed after the job is done or you'll have to do it all over again.

Also, a brake job can mean the master cylinder, warped drums, warped disk....find out more.

First thing is I suggest obtaining the repair manual.

 

[Scooby074]

not hard to do.

Cost...well that depends

Corrosion can play havoc on the cam in the rear drum that opens the shoes. Cables can also be siezed.

Front hydraulics can sieze as well requiring new wheel cylinders.

IF everything is working then just changing the shoes all around wont be a bad job. time and costs will go up from there depending on whats siezed.

 

[KubotainNH]

I did the fronts and rears on a Honda Fourtrax, all are drums on this one. Simple enough and around $100 for all of the parts including some hardware that was decrepit (rear adjusting nuts). It needed a bunch of cleaning too but stops much better now.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Thanks everyone for all the info. Any one got a tip to be on the look out for when looking at used ATV to determine how well it has been treated. I have never owned one and only ridden one once about 20 years ago and I dont want one that has been mud hogged. Hunting bike that has been cared for is more what I am looking for. I am looking for something to occupy my 13 year old grandson when he visits. I dont want or need a large fast machine nor is 4 WD a requirement as he will just be riding in in my pasture. I'm looking at stuff in the price range of $1500 so fairly old. I dont mind maintenance work but dont want to get stuck with one that is about to hand grenade on me or something that is dangerous because of a design issue. So far I have found a 99 Honda Recon 250 all rebuilt motor, brakes etc $1250 , 95 Kawasaki Bayou 220 clean looking for $1500 and a 89 Yamaha 4 moto (that smokes a little) for $1300 so I kinda ruled it out. Any opinions on the other 2 as for reliability, ease of service etc. Opinions as to the better of the two.

 

[TracTrac]

Honda is the best. If the Recon 250 was run without oil there could be other problems about to show up. A snorkle is a sign of having been ran in deep water. Oversize tires on a atv is hard on the tranny. Never run energy conserving oil in any atv (or motorcycle) with wet clutches. Check the tie rod ends closely. If one pops off the atv will dart to one side. Check the axel fluid for water. Look inside the air cleaner box for signs of mud/grit. Mud means submerged. When you test drive it, run it wide open on a straight away to see if the clutches slip.
A Yamaha Timberwolf is also a good small unit.
Keep looking and the deal will come your way.
TIP: I will never again own a straight axel type atv after owning a Rincon with independent rear suspension. A straight axel atv will ride much rougher. Usually the older the owner the better condition of a used atv. Honda also makes a Rancher with a IRS.
Make sure your grandson takes a safety class.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Thanks TRACTRAC. Good info there.

 

[TracTrac]

You are welcome Gary. Last September I enjoyed riding my Rincon in Eastern Ok. and Western Ar.
Was just outside of Heavener Ok. behind the Runestone park one week and then rode Ouachita National forest below Mena Ar. the next week. Beautiful place. I plan to return around Sept or Oct.
If you value the word comfort, I suggest riding a straight axel atv and then switching to a IRS suspension on that same trail.