i have a 1999 500 xc and i was riding today in the fields when i noticed my speedo stoped working as well as my odometer. does this mean my bearings are gone or just an electrical problem. also i have reverse and today when i put it into reverse and gave it gase i could hear the gear grinding and poping. i tried it twice and both times it did this. it goes in forward fine no noise or grinding. what is going on with this thing?

for your speedo chances are its the insert(in the shaft)that might have to be replaced its only a couple bucks,or your cable broke,as for the reverse you just might need to do an adjustment,its a good idea to take the cover off and inspect,then adjust the linkage

Thiers a good indication the bearing is going.The tip on the cable brakes from the excess play in the drive shaft.You'd better check to make sure. Better safe than sorry :D

Better look into it before it gets expensive. I have seen people just keep driving once the speedo stops and destroy drive shafts, sprockets, gears. I have actually seen a drive shaft almost wear completely out riding around on the bearing and two chain cases explode open from everything pileing up. Another good way to see if a bearing is gone is just to check the level in the chain case if it has leaked out there is a good chance the bearing is gone. But the speedo is on the other side, if one is worn out good chance so is the other. :thumbsup:

bonedaddy said it ,, the usuall indicator for a bearing going is the speedo cable goes. go underneath, grab the shaft and check for play.

Originally posted by Valleyman@Nov 19 2002, 06:54 AM
bonedaddy said it ,, the usuall indicator for a bearing going is the speedo cable goes. go underneath, grab the shaft and check for play.
I'm with this guy!

it is a easy fix either way