I am getting a grinding/popping noise from the rear of my 2000 400 xplorer. I thought it might be the chain at first, but after tightening and listening closer I am pretty sure it is not a chain issue. I am leaning towards bearings now. If it is bearings...what bearings do you think it would be? Is this an easy fix or should I take it to my dealer. Also is this common for rear bearings to go out on these Polaris'. I regularly grease the machine and have 2400 miles on it.

 

I have the same machine the rear bearings went within the first year and was repaired under warrenty. This isnt a tough job to do yourself and the parts dont cost much. Also check the spockets (front and rear) this tends to make sounds that you decribe, they maybe worn. If the carrier bolts(bolts holding your rear axel) are too tight this will also cause premature wear of the bearings. I grease that fitting every 3 or 4 rides or when riding through water- mud I grease it after the ride. Lift the rear end off the ground, grab each tire push and pull to see if there is any play.

 

I have that same noise on my 250 xplorers. I just changed the chain on one of them, and that seemed to lessen the noise a good bit, but the engine blew on the test ride. It may not run, but it doesnt grind nearly as loud :/

 

inspect your chain again it is probably missing some rollers ,it will make that sound if the chain is missing rollers ,I found the polaris chains seem to loose rollers for some reason,DID makes a good relacement chain.

 

your rear swingarm bushings are worn out -plastic w/2400 miles=time to change out. My dealer did mine. It was'nt too mutch. the grease fittings are not too easy to reach so they get neglected.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]