1998-2004 Honda Foreman 450 factory service manual, Page 301Get this manual
FRONT DRIVING MECHANISM
TROUBLESHOOTING
Consistent noise during cruising Oil level too low Foreign matter contaminating gear oil Improper tooth contact between ring gear and drive pinion Worn or damaged ring gear bearing Worn or damaged ring gear and drive pinion Worn pinion shaft or pinion gear side washer Deformed ring gear or differential case Chipped or damaged gears Gear noises while running Oil level too low Foreign matter contaminating gear oil Chipped or damaged gears Improper tooth contact between ring gear and drive pinion Gear noises while coasting Damaged or chipped gears Bearing noises while running and coasting Cracked or damaged drive pinion bearing or ring gear Abnormal noises when turning ('98'01) Worn (excessive play) or damaged ring gear bearing Damaged side gear, pinion or pinion shaft Worn clutch discplate Worn clutch spring Worn or damaged slots of the differentia housing Abnormal noises when turning (After '01) Worn or damaged ring gear bearing Worn or damaged face cam and cam follower Worn or damaged differential housing groove Worn cone spring or shim Abnormal noises at start or during acceleration Excessive backlash between ring gear and drive pinion Excessive pinion gear backlash Worn differential spl ines Loose pinion joint nut ('98'011 and other fasteners Worn clutch discplate ('98'01) Worn clutch spring ('98'01) Worn cone spring or shim (After '01) Oil leak Oil level too high Clogged breather hole or tube Worn or damaged oil seal Loose differential cover bolt Overheating Oil level too low Insufficient backlash between ring gear and drive pinion