Honda Fourtrax Rancher AT 2004 Service Manual page 376

REAR DRIVING MECHANISM
18-10
Remove the O-rings from the final drive gear case.
Remove the spring and drive shaft from the
swingarrn.
INSPECTION
Check the splines of the drive shaft for wear or dam-
age.
If the splines are damaged, check the pinion and
universal joint splines also.
To remove the yoke joint, remove the swingarm
(page' 5-8),
Install the drive shaft to the final d rive pinion.
Turn the drive pinion with a drive shaft and check
that the pinion and ring gear turns smoothly and
quietly witho ut binding.
If the gears do not turn smoothly or quietly, the
gears andlor bearing may be damaged or faulty.
They must be checked after disassembly; replace
faulty parts/assemblies as required.