Last year we got my now 10 year old 65 pound son a 2003 Polaris Predator 90. It seems like he has broken/worn out more than his fair share of parts and I am wondering what we can do to keep the cost down. In less than 6 months of riding I have had to replace all of the ball joints, the swing arm, axle bearings, brakes, and weld up quite a few cracks in various brackets and the frame. Now he has a broken axle. Polaris did not warranty most of these parts because they say that others do not run into these problems.

The dealer says that Polaris is our best bet and that we would have had as many problems with another brand. They have been very helpful and even covered some of the parts themselves so I am taking them at their word. I keep this ATV in good running order and maintain it daily/weekly as necessary. What else can I do to help minimize all of these repairs? Is an aftermarket axle at $425 vs $115 worth the investment?

Thanks

 

Welcome to this forum. We don't see "1" post very often.

WOW!!! Sounds like you've had lots of bad luck with your 2003 Pred-90. Our 2003 Pred-90 has NOT had any factory parts replaced. A few customized upgrades (my choice) but other then that, my 9 year old at 120 lbs (130 lbs with complete safety gear) has NOT worn out any of its part. Although, I can see our Pred-90's plastic steering bracket on its upper bracket being replaced in the near future. As Greg Peak mentioned many posts ago, its upper steering bracket is kinda cheezie. Now I know what he means.

A few moments ago I tried to start my son's Pred-90. No spark!!! GGGRRR!!!!! Due to the large amount of deep water and wet mud riding we do, I suspect its stator coil has finally got a touch of water in it. I've heard from many this is a weakness of the Pred-xx brand. I'll call my Polaris dealer tomorrow to see if he can give me a discount on this part.

Due to the type of parts that are wearing out and/or breaking on your 2003 Pred-90, it sounds like your little guy loves to fly. If this brand was made for a 12 - 16 year old, you'd think a light weight rider woudn't cause that much mechanical damage. If the "same parts" keep wearing out and/or breaking again, I'd come to the conclusion this brand "in pure stock form" isn't the best for your unique riding conditions. From what I've learned of this brand, the Pred-90s frame construction is below average for extreme trail & race riding. Lots of suspension depth but its frame isn't made for hard "bottom outs". Hence, probably the reason for cracked frame and a broken axle. Some folks are re-welding its frame and/or adding 45 degree braces near its upper shock mount. Then, they upgrade with Works Performance (or equivelant) better rear shock. To me, the rear factory shock is way too soft. If you do lots of water riding, it will flush the grease out of its various ball joints & bearing. If you grease these parts more often, it should push the dirt & water out of these parts. For our Pred-90, I even installed a grease nipple within its rear Swing Arm. For pictures, surf: - Press Here -


Hope this helps...

.

 

I cant see why you should have to replace all those parts already. We have had our eton 90 two years now without having to replace anything. Maybe you got one of them lemons lol Thats usually what I buy but I got lucky this time

 

Thank you, that is helpful. Water was the cause for the brake and bearings to go out so I asked my son to stay away from anything more than a couple of inches deep. I also replaced the shielded bearings with sealed bearings and packed the axle with marine grease a few weeks ago but the axle broke before I got find out if it helped. Adding a couple of grease zerks sounds like a good idea.

The rear shock does bottom out pretty easy even on the stiffest setting and I am constantly straightening the chain guard bracket that bends when it hits the exhaust. The bracket on the other side interfered with the brake so I modified it. It seems like the chain guard should be there (I watched a kid run his finger through a chain/sproket when I was a kid) so I haven't taken it off but it sure gets in the way.

Thanks for the advice

 

dmmorris,

To view the many upgrades we've done to our 2003 Pred-90, surf the following:

Proactive Rear Brake Fix -> - Press Here -

Spring Loaded Chain Tensioner -> - Press Here -

Customized Skid Plate -> - Press Here -

Front Light -> - Press Here -

Shock Covers -> - Press Here -

Grease zerk within its Swing Arm -> - Press Here -

Modified Air Box Snorkel -> - Press Here -

Factory Running Board guards -> - Press Here -

------------

Future "planned" upgrades:

Foot Brake -> - Press Here -

45 Degree brace at rear frame -> - Press Here - Note: See its page 2 for more pictures.


To make your Pred-90 even better, you may want to add the same / simular upgrades to your Pred-90....


Hope the above also helps...


.