I just picked up a used 500 sportsman it is a 1998 model. The odometer or the speedometer neither one work. Would this likely be the hall sensor. Also would this likely have my 4wd not working. Also i reealsed this does not have cv joints like my 02 had. There is a u joint from the diff. to the shaft then a rubber boot below it . What does this rubber boot cover? Spline? Is this a less maintenance alternative or does it have real drawbacks compared to cv joints Also anything specific about this model i should look for. Thanks Tony

 

not 100% sure on that year but most of the newer models like your 02 speedometer does control your awd. when it doesn't work, neither does the awd. so i'm guessing it's not the speed sensor. you should have the outside(wheel side)being a spined cv joint where the inbound is a U joint style on your cv's. just keep them greased at the joint and shouldn't be too bad. imo

 

The 98 Sportsman should have a cable operated speedo,its has no effect on the AWD (You lucky guy) like the stupid digital wire operated speedos on the 99s and newer models with a wheel sensor.

The front axles have u joins on the top and a CV joints covered by the rubber boots on the bottom. Only the 96 and 97 sportsmans had no cv joints at all. Just grease the U joints every so often,my 2001 has the same fron axles, 3700 miles without a ujoint problem so far.


Make sure your getting power to the hubs and the hub fluid is clean with the right amount. Your AWD light at the switch must come on for the AWD to work,even a burnt out AWD bulb with break the circuit to the front hubs.