This is my 1st Polaris ATV, its a 99(production date 12/98) Sportsman 500 magnum EBS and I was under the impression that its a full time 4 wheel drive(limited slip diff.) and when the AWD button is put in the on position that it acted like a differential lock making all 4 tires engage and spin at the same rate instead of allowing it to act like a limited slip. Is this correct? Can someone give me the short version of it? The machine is in great shape it has under 1500. miles and I paid 1200. for it, with a second back seat and storage compartments - Did I do alright? or did I over pay?---Thanks for all answers

 

Polaris AWD system operates with an electromagnet clutching system - when you engage the AWD switch, the front wheels do not "lock" until the rear wheels slip 1/5th of a turn. As long as the rear wheels slip, the front wheel pull.
During a turn, the outermost front wheel rotates faster than the tire on the inside of the turn, therefore the outermost tire releases from the clutch allowing for an easier turn than quads with the differential locked.
All of this sounds like the 4 tires are not all pulling at the same time, but in reality, when you are spinning your wheels in the mud/snow, etc. - the rotational ratios actually have all 4 wheels pulling.

 

Thank-you for a intelligent short full explanation.

 

You can find lots of info quick by using the search.

The AWD switch when in 2wd is just 2 wheel rear wheel drive, the rear axle is solid and both wheels turn the same speed all the time.

When AWD is switched on it sends power to the awd coil, an armature plate coupled to the roller cage is attracted to the coil and resists rotation, creating drag on the drive roller cage assembly. Then any time the rear wheels turn faster than the front, this causes the rollers to climb the ramps of the cam, and locks the front differential, as soon as the wheels are moving at the same speed again the 4wd disengages and it steers easy.
YOur awd can/will operate several times climbing a steed hill or thru mud etc....works great when it works!

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Ujoint

Polaris AWD system operates with an electromagnet clutching system - when you engage the AWD switch, the front wheels do not "lock" until the rear wheels slip 1/5th of a turn. As long as the rear wheels slip, the front wheel pull.

During a turn, the outermost front wheel rotates faster than the tire on the inside of the turn, therefore the outermost tire releases from the clutch allowing for an easier turn than quads with the differential locked.

All of this sounds like the 4 tires are not all pulling at the same time, but in reality, when you are spinning your wheels in the mud/snow, etc. - the rotational ratios actually have all 4 wheels pulling.</end quote></div>


ujoint it doesn't work like a Detroit locker. The roller cage engages/disengeges the front diff.

 

the bike isnt a full time awd like a older honda would be. it only is in awd when you push the button and doesnt go out until you push the button off. but it is a true awd and not a 4x3 like limited slip front ends.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: RickCJ7

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Ujoint



Polaris AWD system operates with an electromagnet clutching system - when you engage the AWD switch, the front wheels do not "lock" until the rear wheels slip 1/5th of a turn. As long as the rear wheels slip, the front wheel pull.



During a turn, the outermost front wheel rotates faster than the tire on the inside of the turn, therefore the outermost tire releases from the clutch allowing for an easier turn than quads with the differential locked.



All of this sounds like the 4 tires are not all pulling at the same time, but in reality, when you are spinning your wheels in the mud/snow, etc. - the rotational ratios actually have all 4 wheels pulling.</end quote></div>





ujoint it doesn't work like a Detroit locker. The roller cage engages/disengeges the front diff.</end quote></div>

The '89 to '02 models have clutches in each front hub compared to the "new" style where the front gearbox contains the hillard clutch system.