Today I changed the hub fluid on my quads. I am so proud of myself! It may not seem like alot but for me this is one step closer to doing all the repairs and maintenance on my own...and save $$$.

The old fluid was all black. Is that normal after a while??? Should it have been done sooner? Just curious...

 

I changed mine after 1000 miles and it looked kinda muddy too. I shoulda do much much sooner.
Congrats on the repair...lol

Andy G

 

Explor,
I change mine after every mudrun or CV joint breakage... whichever comes first.. hahaha..
If yours was black, it probably had mud/water in it. Run it for awhile, and change it again.
Just an FYI, but you can use regular automatic transmission fluid in the hubs. It won't void the warranty, works just as good, and is cheaper.

 

Xplor,

To me, black would be correct(I don't think it would be an indication of mud/water since water would make it a milky color), however, you should change it more often. I would check its condition after every mud ride, and change it 3 or 4 times a year. I think the best substitute for hub fluid is Mobil 1 synthetic ATF. It is $5 per quart, is excellent about preventing sticking hubs, and my hubs always operate flawlessly. It probably lubes the bearings better and keeps parts from wearing in the hubs. Hope this helps.

 

Mike (our local mechanic) says that synthectic ATF is as good or better for lubricating the innards of the hub as anything, but has found that the true hub oil is supposed to have (according to Polaris) a better tolerance to water, and seems to keep the seals pliable better than ATF.
Farmr