2001 Yamaha big bear 400 4x4 oil leak

[Juju02]

Yes I am a noob! But I still require your assistance, I acquired a big bear and noticed the boot in the rear covering the drive shaft was leaking oil.... So I did some research and it looks like it could be the rear main seal or a loose yolk nut. So I took the liberty tearing the back end off the ATV and now what stands infront of me is the yolk nut. Leads me to my first question how do I even stick anything to tighten the thing it's nearly impossible and if it is tight how do I get anything in there to loosen it so I can replace the seal?? Please any help would be much appreciated!

[oxidized_black]

yes, youre already there ... proactive !!

[Juju02]

Oxidized_Black.....what does that even mean?? Come on people help me out!

[oxidized_black]

it means if you are that far into it (engine/trans), go ahead and fix the seal ...

[Juju02]

My question is how do I get the yolk nut off and/or tighten it?

[gears]

you have to disassemble that rear U-joint and get it out of the way to take the nut you're referring to off, pull the yolk off the splined shaft coming out the back of the trans and replace that seal (Just did it on my Kodiak 400), then grease the U-joint and put the whole thing back together - something like $15 for that seal (I got mine off ebay - genuine YAMAHA).