Hi all, I have a 2004 Sportsman 500 and ordered a rear axle from East Lake Axle to replace the original that had gone bad. Once I had the axle on, I noticed that there was play where the splines attach in the differential, where my original Polaris axle had zero play. By play, I mean I can move the axle shaft laterally and the housing next to the differential moves back and forth. Other than this and the inner CV boot leaking grease after my first test drive, it seems to be a good axle.


I was able to replace the clamp on the inner boot, but the play just doesn't seem right. Is this play acceptable, or a sign of poor aftermarket part fitment? Any advice would be appreciated.


Cheers,

Shane

 

Does it have play when sitting on the ground? Coincidentally, I have to put 2 new front axles on my 2002 Arctic Cat. Boots are leaking. My mechanic suggested replacing vs replacing the boots. I'm going to hang on to the old ones, just in case the Chinese ones are total crap. OEM made in USA ones are $250 ea, Chinese ones are $56 ea.

 

Actually, that was before fully installed. After installing, remvoing, and installing the old one several times, it now seems to be pretty snug with it fully installed (hub, etc.). So I think I may be OK.

 

With no weight on rear drives shafts,yes you can have a little play. Noticed that even on brand new ones when when you jack up the rear end.