ATC250ES boot solution

[djm0242]

161195
Ok I think it's been on long enough! I couldnt find anyone with concrete experience on what boot to substitute on my ES. I saw past suggestions in old threads like:"maybe you can try XyZ..." I've had myself and a trailer connected to the back as well as my two daughters going over big bumps in the mud and through 8 inches of water. It seems all tests passed. With no mods at all I used an 05 Foreman 500 4x4 drive boot 52101-HM7-000. I used to have a few of them (bikes) and I happened to have a brand new spare. It was $7 plus shipping on Partzilla aka PowersportsPlus.com. OEM. I am so relieved! By the way. I also read where someone suggested loosening the engine to put the boot on. That is a crazy suggestion. All you need to do is to jack it up, (use jack stands) a 17mm hex or Allen wrench, take out the left side swing arm nut only. The swingarm will tilt enough to get the old boot off and get the new one on. :)

[Big G]

Always appreciated to get pointers like this. Thanks for sharing!

[honda200x1987]

Good thread, will be usefull to others I am sure. I like the fact you found out the foreman 4x4 drive boot as a replacement. With so many discontinued parts out there we could use all the info we can get,thanks for sharing.

[djm0242]

Right on! I had hoped once I found the answer it would save someone else the hassle :)

[wisconsinite]

Awesome discovery! I would assume this would work on an sx as well, no?

[dougspcs]

Great tip..hey just a question. Can you get enough clearance to remove the driveshaft by removing the left bolt and pulling the swing arm back also??

My 250ES has a chatter noise that I think is the driveshaft ujoint..I think I need to replace it.

I wasn't really looking forward to pulling the swingarm or real differential to get it out.

[djm0242]

Doug I do recall thinking that I could have pulled the Ujoint off during this process. I think that there would be room to do that. I was really surprised how much I could move it around with the right side still attached. Wisconsinite, not sure - however given that the bikes are almost the same in a lot of ways- I'd say give it a shot!

[fabiodriven]

First of all, thank you for figuring this out! That's great!

Secondly, I don't mean to second-guess your judgement, but this is absolutely a 100% direct fit? The only reason I ask is because I've had guys tell me things over the intranets before and the real-world results haven't always come up the way they're supposed to...

Third, is the original boot for the SX/ES discontinued? If it is, I'm surprised Honda hasn't superseded the old part with this newer one.

[djm0242]

Hey Fabio- yes it was 100% bolt up. The original had an offset molded into it. This one does not have that offset. It is just a little bit shorter as a result. The pic I posted shows it on the bike. The openings are the correct size -zero mods. Yes the originals are discontinued. There are people selling used, dry rotted, leaky, boots on eBay for $30. Trust me duct tape and zip ties are not acceptable forms of repair for me! :) the main tip I can give to ease installation is to adjust the shock to its lowest setting. I removed both back tires and supported the swingarm with a jack so I could raise and lower it easily. Thanks for your question by the way! I've been trying to upload a video but it looks like I am forced to get it from FB or YouTube. That's a real bummer.

[fabiodriven]

Well thank you again man! Sounds like an invaluable mod for sure! Good work!

[djm0242]

Thanks sir. :)

[OTAlucard]

Will be doing this one ASAP I Got duct tape around mine Thank you

[djm0242]

I did too for a little while! Just be sure there is no water or mud in the shaft tube when take it apart. Be gentle with the swing arm while its twisted in that right side bearing, you don't want to damage them. Good luck and let us know how it goes! :)

[fabiodriven]

TecateDan ordered an SX drive shaft boot about 2 weeks ago and it did indeed arrive. Are we 100% positive these are discontinued? Did Dan just get lucky and get one they had on the shelf? What's the story here gents?

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r275/fabiodriven/IMG_20130203_111246_zps98b30234.jpg

[djm0242]

Fabio thanks for inquiring! Hey you know this thread is about a 250ES boot solution. I checked at 3 dealerships and a dozen websites and they all have the old "PART OBSOLETE" in red. I haven't researched the SX. With that said I know you have an SX and if you'd like I will try to find you one. Otherwise you might check with Tecate Dan since he was able to find one. I wish you luck. If I can help let me know. :) I will say that Partzilla does have that boot for like $14. The site does not say it will fit the ES. Looks like your boot is still available where as the 250ES is not.