First off, let me say that my SP500 is an incredible machine. I have put it thru hell and back, without a problem. It performed flawlessly in a recent poker run, which was pretty grueling. I was amazed at the number of Polaris ATVs at the run. I'd estimate 30% were Polarises. Alot of them were SP500s. Anyhow, mine is a '99 and the rear brake pads were gone at 200 miles. My brother-in-law has gone thru 2 sets in 300 miles. No, we are not useing the foot brake. Thats what Polaris told him, but he insists that he doesn't. I didn't believe him until mine went. Now I believe him. I replaced them myself with EBC metallic, He's going thru the dealer for a second time, and he's not happy. He has also lost 2 black rubber bushings in the rear suspension. I just recently noticed 2 of mine are starting to rip apart. Has anyone else experienced these 2 problems? Should I take it to the dealer(it's still under warranty), or fix the bushings myself? It's a simple fix, but the dealer will probably have it for 3 weeks! I've been reading about other problems, and alot has to do with owner abuse. I know I beat the hell out of mine, so I'm not suprised the bushings are bad. But on the other hand, It could be just a bad rubber compound they use. What do you all think?

 

I noticed the problem with the brakes and the bushings. My brakes have been rubbing since I brought the machine home 4 months ago. My brake pads are still ok but getting down to nothing, I mostly trail ride and rarely use my brakes, so why are they worn out. I noticed the bushings breaking apart. So you are not the only one with that problem. I kind of saved the bushings a little by putting some oil on them, seems to keep them from breaking up.

 

jwd121, is yours a '99 SP500 also? If so, what do you intend to do about the bushings? You know they're gonna go any time soon. Are you gonna fix them, or take it to the dealer? I was planning to go to Mariensville for the poker run, but if I take my ATV in, I don't think I'll get it back in time. I personally don't think that these brakes and bushings should be shot already, I only got 250 miles on the thing. I'm gonna call the dealer, see if they'll just give me the bushing so I can put them on.

 

What bushings are you talking about. I have a "99" SP500 may need to look at mine a little closer.

Thanks

 

XGZX,no problems with the bushings you refer to on my 99 Sportsman,but my front and rear brakes were GONE at 100 miles.Dealership replaced them free after I pitched a big gripe about it.Brakes were Gone in the rear again at about 300 miles.Polaris replaced them again.I put new fronts on at about 600 miles.

 

Bill,
100 miles ? My god, I did'nt even were the ******* off the tires at a 100 miles. What did the dealer say the problem was ?



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hc,
The bushings are located in the rear end, at the top and bottom of the silver hex-shaped rods that runs from the A-arms to the stabilizer bar arms. They are black rubber, and have creases molded into them. There are 8 altogether, look underneath to see the hidden ones. I have 3 that are torn up pretty bad at 300 miles, the others look O.K. so far.

 

Bill,
My bro-in-law had the exact same problem. His was bought at the same time as mine, and his rears went at 70 and 300 miles. The first time he took it in, the mechanic told him that Polaris would not cover it because they said he used the foot brake too much and wore them out. Come on, even if you rode the damn foot brake all day, they shouldn't go at 70 miles!! The dealer said he would pick up the charges that time. The second time, however, they charged him $31 for new rear pads! He's pissed, and is considering legal action like you. He wants the same ATV, however, because he still likes the performance. I agree, I wouldn't trade mine for anything, even with the brake problem. EBC pads are $22 in the magazines. Took me 5 minutes to change them.

 

Stewart,the dealer told me that Polaris would'nt replace "wearable" parts.So the quad being only a wk old,I called Polaris and pitched a Bitc-.They warrentied them for me.The dealer seems to think the pads were defective from the plant.BILL

 

Hey XGZX, just looked at my bushings last night and notice some of mine are beginning to tear up. Let me know what the dealer tells you about replacing. What damage will they do if there not replaced ? Looks like it will cause metal to rub metal ?
Anyone else had this problem ?
There should be a better fix than just replacing ever 200 miles.
'99 SP500&335