ATVs and their bigger UTV cousins need regular maintenance to churn out all the fun and hard work they’re designed to provide on technical trails or the worksite. Built to be abused, they also face significant wear and tear. Components like suspension systems, drive axles, and belts often need replacement far sooner than equivalent parts in cars or trucks. That’s why having working spares can be a lifesaver, especially in the settings and conditions quad bikes call home.
Shopping for parts has gradually shifted from brick-and-mortar stores to the convenience and ease of online purchases. Quad owners can browse a wide range of available products, compare prices between retailers, and have all orders delivered to their specified address. Another major benefit is that shopping for ATV parts online opens access to a wider range of products and brands, some solely doing business on the net to keep prices as low as possible.
Benefits of Online Purchases
Buyers no longer need to visit physical stores or browse catalogs to get what they need. Instead, spares and accessories are just a few clicks away. Here’s why this makes sense:
- Wider selection of available parts – Traditionally, buyers were limited to whatever products local stores had in stock, often from a handful of well-known brands with premium price tags. Thank to online shopping, this has changed, and you can access a wider selection of ATV parts all over the globe. New and upcoming brands and parts with innovative designs and takes on common parts help improve performance, practicality and the aesthetics of your quad with a wider suite of options.
- Detailed product info – Internet shopping allows you to check compatibility and whether you order delivers on its promise. Besides technical data and images, buyers can also read reviews and make an informed decision about whether the products are suitable for their quad.
- Comfort and convenience – You can browse from the comfort of your home and any time of the day. And order when you want. Online stores are open 24/7 meaning you can get needed spares when other shops close. Deliveries are another consideration that saves time and money.
- Lower prices – Online businesses have lower overheads, meaning bigger savings. Look for sales, and loyalty programs, and buy your gear in bulk. There are also various payment options, and buy-now-pay-later programs if you have cash flow problems and need parts immediately. Sites are also easier to compare, so you get the best deals.
- Warranties and return policies – All items sold online are covered by consumer laws, so any damaged or items that don’t suit your quad can be returned or exchanged. Look for clearly stated warranties to ensure the purchase works and lasts.
Common Parts That Need Replacement
ATVs endure extreme conditions, so certain parts require regular inspection and replacement. The most commonly replaced components include drive axles, belts, and brake pads. Proper maintenance and timely upgrades not only improve performance but also extend the lifespan of your quad.
Axles
Front and rear axles transfer power from the engine, support the weight of the quad and the rider and work alongside the suspension to keep you upright by maximizing traction and grip from the tires. As such, they come under huge heat cycling from spinning assemblies, constant impact when absorbing bumps and high stresses from clutches and the engine when getting power down. While most quad bike brands rate their axles for 10,000 miles of driving in normal circumstances, most axles fail quite early.
Bent, snapped and damaged shafts aren’t uncommon, and torn CV boots or clunking joints and damaged bearings are just are few signs axles have had their day. The assemblies will give out warning signs before failing. Noises, power loss, wheels pulling to the side, and difficulty engaging gears are some to look out for.
Swap a failing axle before costly or irreparable damage comes to the clutch, drive belts, engine and steering. Aftermarket axles in heavy-duty guises do better than the factory units in machines with power outputs up to 50hp, meaning most ATVs and recreational UTVs. They are made of thicker and stronger steel shafts, machined CV joints and industrial-grade bearings for minimal rolling resistance, and thick neoprene and puncture-resistant boots.
Step up to extreme duty axles for ATVs pushing more power and torque. Here shafts again grow in diameters, Joints and bearings are CNC-machined (and offer better articulation with improved approach and departure angles) and thicker neoprene boots pack high-pressure grease for smooth sailing.
Drive Belts
Belts connect the drive and driven clutch pulleys to transfer power from the engine to the axles. They face high torque, immense heat and friction with constant pushing and pulling against the pulleys. Drive belts tend to wear gradually, but cogs, teeth and backing fibers can all chip away abruptly. A snapped belt means there’s no power getting to the axles. Before this happens be aware if the tell tale signs that you’ll soon need a replacement.
Overheating causes cracks and fraying, weakening the belt at critical points. Gradual or sudden power loss, difficulty engaging the gears and burning smells are some things to go by.
Choose replacements with high-quality build, improved designs and better materials than the one you are changing. Tensile cords holding the belts together are made of Kevlar to endure constant elongation and contraction, while smooth teeth and cogs in synthetic rubber reduce wear and ensure smoother power transfer. Some belts also have fabric facer materials to reduce the buildup of debris, gravel and dust.
Shop for these ATV parts online, making sure to get belts that are compatible with your quad in terms of engine power ratings and come in the right length, width and tooth count to fit seamlessly with the clutch pulleys. Look for drive and auxiliary belt specialists that also produce automotive and truck parts, or ATV and UTV-specific names that work to bring better performance and longevity.
Brake Pads
With machines getting bigger, heavier and more powerful, you’ll also want brake parts that can get the quad to a stop in the shortest possible distance. Pads wear down sooner than calipers, rotors or master cylinders and are parts that are replaced more often.
Most quads are fitted with organic brake pads from the factory. These have decent brake feel with good actuation at regular speeds, but struggle in spirited riding, and when descending steep inclines with loaded cargo beds. They also throw up considerable amounts of corrosive brake dust.
Move up to semi-metallic and sintered brake pads for improved performance. These are a mix of pressed metal fibers, that get your quad to a safe stop faster and in shorter distances but can be noisy and not exactly gentle on the rotors. A new take with the best of organic and metallic pads is ceramic types. Despite the high price, these are quiet, super-responsive, easy on the rotors and will outlast sintered pads. They’re best for high-performance quads considering the pads’ racing background.
Shopping for ATV Parts
Online stores have made shopping for parts and spares easier, more convenient and most importantly, cheaper. Look for stores with a wide product selection and brands that cater to different needs and different quads. Besides brake pads, axles or drive belts, additionally consider parts that improve off-roading performance such as wheel spacers, tire and wheel combos and upgraded suspension parts. And bring more convenience, safety and practicality to your ride with aftermarket bumpers, bigger cargo beds, LED lighting, crash bars, windscreens and more.