I would like to get an idea of the maintenance involved with owning an AC 500 Auto.

I know a lot of the maintenance requirements will be dictated by the abuse I give the machine. So I'm just trying to get a rough idea.

 

I had an 01 auto with the lower vents for the belt. I had 800 miles on it and had to replace the outer cover bearings one time. I flooded the belt housing several times. They have raised the vents on the 02s so it shouldn't be a problem any longer. If you don't flood the belt you should just pull the cover off every now and then (500-1000 miles). Just to clean it out and check the belt.

If you will be doing a lot of deep mud and water riding, I would recomend the manual. But they have changed a few things on the autos. The 01s had the vent about 20" off the ground. I'm sure you will get some other replies.

 

Change the oil and filter every 300 or 400 miles and keep the air filter clean. There are no grease fittings(to my knowledge)because the bearing are all sealed [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-frown.gif[/img]. No real worries, just ride and enjoy... Until the AC gets swamped.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

How do you guys feel about changing the front and rear Diff gear oil. Do you think the 80 90w synthetic hypoid is better than stock? I would imagine it wouldn't hurt to get the old stuff out now and then and make sure water didn't get in the differentals.

Opinions?

 

I thought we were just talking about the belt part. I use a synthetic gear lube in the front and rear end, change about every 600 miles. Change oil and filter every 300 miles. Clean air filter when it is dirty 100 miles or so. I have 2 air filters and just switch them out, and clean them. This way I allways have a clean one ready.
Thats about it spray some lube on the steering stem every now and then. Adjust valves every 1200 miles, they usually don't need it, except for the first time 300 miles.
Never had to replace wheel bearings, yet. I get at least 1000 miles out of brake pads. I do a lot of mud riding so you may get more. After almost 5000 miles on the 500s that I've had this is all I've done. My sons 01 250 4x4 has almost 300 hours on it same treatment, no problems. I run a hour meter on it and change the oil every 20-25 hours.