3 Common ATV Replacement Parts – Simple Fixes That Save Your Ride

ATVs have come a long way from their underpowered three-wheeled trail machine predecessors. Today’s crop of quad bikes is not only capable on snow, sand and slippery surfaces. They are fitted with gutsy gas or diesel engines that muster insane power and torque numbers to get all four wheels whirling. And they’re considerably more manoeuvrable than the dirt bikes they’re based on. When it’s time for maintenance, finding quality replacement ATV parts is crucial to keep these machines in top condition. Moreover, they are more capable (and comfortable) than full-sized off-roading SUVs. They boast trail chops like the agility and ground clearance of all-round independent suspension and unmatched traction in tyre treads to get you through thick and thin. 

Essential Maintenance and Replacement Parts

However, their dirt bike origins mean they’ll also need frequent maintenance and replacement ATV parts to deliver their best. Regardless of power output or engine displacement, all ATVs and UTVs require scheduled brake pad replacements. This ensures safe stopping. Regular drive belt changes are necessary for optimal power delivery. If you abuse your quad for maximum riding thrills, periodic axle replacements are needed. These, along with air and oil filters, oil changes and new spark plugs, are some of the more common quad replacement parts. 

Brake Pads

Almost all quads now have round discs, even smaller-engined kids’ bikes. Discs and pads provide the needed stopping power for bigger and heavier machines that are now capable of higher speeds. Brakes though aren’t just about stopping. They provide the necessary control when navigating obstacles, helping with basic manoeuvres such as steering and turning. Those fitted with ABS also aid traction on wet and slippery surfaces. The goal is balancing safety with riding fun. Something older drums found too much to handle.

Advances in Brake Technology

The tech that has gone into engines, frames and suspension setups has also made its way into brakes, especially in brake pad materials and designs. It’s the friction between discs and pads that slows your ATV to manageable speeds. Not all pads perform equally or cope with demanding riding settings. Pads are subjected to extreme heat when pressing on levers or pedals. They are also exposed to external factors like water and dirt that impact braking actuation and power.

When to Replace Your Brake Pads

If you’re noticing grinding or screeching noises when applying the brakes, longer than usual braking distances, or soft and spongy pedal and lever feel, it’s time to inspect the pads. Worn friction surfaces and pads exposed to the metal backing are nearing their due dates and can get you into trouble. The increased heat and scraping also result in advanced disc wear. This means replacement parts that cost a few dollars can soon balloon to a repair bill costing hundreds.

Choosing the Right Replacement Pads

The good news for ATV owners is the wide selection of aftermarket pads. Some deliver more performance, while others last longer or are gentler on the discs. This occurs without the usual drop in braking power. Organic pads are the cheapest choice and were possibly fitted as factory gear. As the name implies, they’re a mixture of organic fibres, glass rubber and composite materials like Kevlar in more costly variants.

Organic Brake Pads

Organic pads have a decent brake feel when pulling levers or pressing pedals. They provide decent stopping power and work well even when cold. They’re also the most affordable choice. However, they have the shortest lifespans and spew considerable amounts of corrosive brake dust on the discs. A good choice if you use your quad in regular everyday riding. They are quiet and won’t eat into the discs.

Sintered Brake Pads

Move up to sintered pads in bigger and more powerful machines. These consist of various metallic and ceramic powders, brought together under extreme pressure (and temperatures). As such, they can cope with higher friction rates and temperatures during hard braking. They have consistently good actuation and brake feel, and tend to last longer than other types. Ideal for racing and extreme applications. However, sintered pads need some warming up. They scrape more of the discs, and can get noisy. They’re also a bit more expensive.

Ceramic Brake Pads

Ceramic pads are a newer option. They combine the good parts of organic and sintered types to deliver exceptional braking performance. Made of ceramic and mineral fibres (such as alumina and silica), these braking components have comparable braking power (when warm) to sintered pads. They last almost as long. Moreover, they can get even the biggest and most powerful quads to a complete stop in the shortest braking distance. And they’re also quiet and gentle on the discs. This kind of performance is derived directly from racing applications.

Drawbacks of Ceramic Pads

They do have a few downsides though. Like sintered pads, ceramic brake pads do need warming up, and all that performance comes at a higher price.

Drive Belts 

Most quads sold today are fitted with Constant Velocity Transmission (CVT). This delivers a good balance between available power and engine loads. Thus, the machines are always ready to deliver when you need them to. Transferring power from the transmission are drive belts, connecting the primary and secondary clutch pulleys to turn axles and wheels. The parts go through tremendous amounts of torque, heat pulling and contraction with each rotation. This leads to damaged tensile cords that keep the belts together, missing teeth to fit seamlessly in splines, and frayed side walls that ensure the belts stay aligned and work as needed.

What Causes Drive Belt Failure

Heat is the biggest killer of these ATV parts. They also suffer when using the wrong gear, when clutch pulleys are loose or misaligned. Consistent coverage in mud, dirt and other contaminants in typical quad bike territory also affects them. Subpar materials and mediocre designs also lead to premature drive belt failure. This often manifests as engine power loss and stalling.

Always Keep a Spare Belt Handy

To rule out any performance issues, always have a working spare. Aftermarket replacements are meant for different uses and different machines. Heavy-duty belts consist of improved tooth and cord designs for increased durability. They use tougher materials to cope with high temperatures and constant stretching and squashing. They’ll have no power transfer issues and will last in everyday riding in most machines averaging less than 100 horsepower.

Extreme-Duty Belts for High-Performance Quads

For racing-spec quads, with higher torque and power, look to extreme-duty belts. These use high-tech and high-strength composites such as Kevlar in the tensile cords. Synthetic or natural rubber mixtures in the teeth and sidewalls reduce wear. Some also have top fabric covers to prevent water and dirt ingress.

When choosing a drive belt, ensure it is rated for the quad bike’s power output. It should be the right length to ensure a clean fit and have the correct tooth count and shape.

Axles 

Axles are the parts that spin to move the wheels. Like drive belts, they too are involved in power transfer. However, axles also are multitaskers. They support the weight of the machine and rider (along with the frame and suspension). They connect to the steering, so are indirectly involved in handling, and provide the clearance for negotiating larger obstacles when paired with appropriately sized wheels. Stock units generally last in everyday riding with tame throttle use. Yet, change your mind and have some fun on tougher terrain, and they’ll show their limitations.

Common Axle Problems and Warning Signs

Most suffer from excessive heat and friction due to lost lubrication from punctured constant velocity boots. Bearing and spline damage leads to clicking and popping sounds when turning, and clunking noises when braking and accelerating. Power loss is another symptom that your axles are failing. Ignore the signs, and you’ll soon be dealing with axle binding, or the shafts snapping straight off the joints.

Heavy-Duty Axles for Tougher Riding

As with other replacement parts, aftermarket options are sold in tiered lineups meant for different riding styles and different machines. Heavy-duty axles are made of thicker, high-gauge steel shafts. They swap thermoplastics for thicker neoprene in the CV boots. Industrial-grade, machined joints, splines, and heat-treated bearings ensure clean power transfer, no play or vibrations and reduced wear. These are meant to last longer than factory axles. They have superior heat and impact resistance in everyday trail runs and work duties.

Extreme-Duty Axles for Performance Machines

For heavier UTVs, sports-oriented side-by-sides and ATVs primed for racing, choose extreme-duty drive axles. Shafts are made of Chromoly steel for increased tensile strength. This prevents metal fatigue from the higher torque and friction these machines produce. These are paired with synthetic or natural rubber boots, CNC machined joints for improved precision, and induction-treated bearings that also reduce rolling resistance. A major difference is the increased angles in the joints for even better wheel articulation over tough terrain. This improves handling and ground clearance.

Replacement Tips and Buying Advice

Axles should be changed by pairs to ensure even power through both wheels. However, you can also find separate left and right and front and rear units. Lastly, for the best deals, buy ATV parts online from dedicated brands, look for warranties, and ensure all parts are quality-certified.

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