I was hooking up a trailer to my 700 and just happened to see that both lower rear CV boots are worn completely out. The quad has about 275 miles on it and about 95% of those are in low range pulling a finish mower. Is it normal for these CV boots to wear out in this amount of time?

 

My understading is most boots tear from being struck by debris. I bought my quad 2yrs ago and I just replaced my first boot which was on the rear a few weeks ago. The other boots really look good so far but I will be keeping a closer eye on them. I removed the half shaft and had a dealer replace the boot - cost less than $50. I could have done the whole job myself if I had access to the the special tool needed for the bands - approx. $100.

I ride my quad all year thru mud, snow, woods, fields and heavily rutted trails. Torn boots at 275 miles is not normal.

 

No that is definately not normal. With 1000 miles on my sp 500finally had to replace one due to the tree that had gone through it god only knows how many miles back through some just logged land. And I agree that the most hazardous thing to boots are sticks. I see there are after market ones at least 3 different brands but have not gotten yet.

 

For future reference, you can buy the boot clamp pliers needed for about $15. My 01 HO and 03 700 both came with earless-type clamps so I guess most polaris's come that way. Also, the polaris boot kits that I have purchased came with earless type clamps. Here is a link with pictures of the different kinds of boot clamp pliers. I bought a pair of the earless type from Pep Boys for $15 and they work like a charm. I think they are actually the same brand as shown in the picture.

Pliers

 

No need for Peirs buy some univeral Band their made for cars fits great goo tight, use a flat head screw driver and normal peir tighten better than stock bands cost about 4 bucks for two bands{Napa/Car Quest}

 

Autozone has those boot clamp pliers that you can borrow. They just require a $10 deposit.

 

why borrow when you can be done for 4 bucks

 

Needlenose pliers work fine for me... chawness, is the mower throwing stones,debris ? mabee damaging the boot?

 

Thanks for the tips everyone, I will check out PEP boys for the pliers.

I have hit gravels with the finish mower before, but not very often. One thing I noticed on my 700 is that the CV boot ridges actually rub each other, I dont know if that is normal or not.

 

I have recently read other threads stating that regular needlenose pliers work good on the bands. I think I might buy the boot kits and keep them on hand and do the repair myself. I was far from home when I noticed my torn boot and it cost me about 3 hours of good riding time.