dealers how fun they can be! NOT! I think service must be a huge part of there income, or else they would not screw people. Myron my dealer he likes repeat business not pissed off customers he is the fairest shooting dealer I have ever dealt with. he seems like a regular guy that bought a dealership and is happy to make a good living and have people like him and not maybe a klling and have people hate him.

 

You can do it without disassembling the hub? I helped a guy do one (to gain experience) and he assured me you had to take the hub apart. I didn't question how it was done, I just beleived him. Actually, he took the whole shaft out and replaced the boot on the workbench. I was hoping there was an easier way. How do yo line up the driveshaft into the cv joint? I am guessing that if you don't clamp the boot down until last, you should be able to pull it back far enough to see what you are doing. I am glad I read this before starting into it the way it was shown to me.
Thanks

 

I had a front boot replaced on mine. Labor $17.00 parts $9.00 You got RIPPED!!

 

Bruce,
I think maybe greg is thinking on a Honda Civic or something...
To change the front CV boots, you gotta pull the hub assembly apart to do it right. They make "quick boots" but I would NOT recommend the use of them on ANYTHING (even a yamaha)
Honestly, If you are gonna change the boot, if the bike has been ridden long with a hole in the boot, or if you mud alot. I would suggest pulling the entire half shaft out and having the CV joint rebuilt.
There hot that much involved in pulling the entire shaft, you get the benefit of a fresh joint and boot. And around here, most automotive driveshaft, clutch, CV joint shops also do ATV parts. I got mine rebuilt for $70.00. Took a total of 20-30 minutes.
NOTE: the clamps used on many automotive CV joint applications will NOT WORK on the front end of a Polaris ATV. The latch on the band will not clear the strut housing at the top. Check for clearance!!!!!!!!!!!!..........

 

The clamps come with the boot.To install the clamps is not easy. it is a good idea to have a clamp tools available..?
Changing the boot is fairly simple.If I was a Polaris dealer I'd charge 2 hrs. labor.$120 is nothing extraordinary nowadays,I would not question the repair bill,but that is my opinion.I 'd be more concern about a quality of repair.... I have a Polaris service manual, I can fax you more info, if you need it.
Joe

 

mudmachine,

I am not familiar with the front CV on a Honda Civic. However, I am familiar with the front CV on a SP500. You do not have to disassemble the hub to replace the boot.

Bruce, to answer your question regarding how do you line up the shaft, it is easy as long as you push the boot far enough up the axel to get it out of your way so you can see what you are doing.

If you do rip the boot while on a mud ride, and get mud in the joint, I would disassemble the hub and pull the axel so you cam make sure it is clean for reassembly. I would also check for play in the joint itself after it is clean and before greasing it.

Mudmachine,
Next time you rip a boot, go get some beer and come over to my garage, and I will drink your beer as I teach you the Quick Boot Replacement Technique known only to a priviledge few. LOL

Greg

 

I agree 2 hrs labor is about right for that job.
By the time the machine gets out the door and you clean up the mess it might even be more than 2 hrs. 45 an hr is what our shop charges and thats the norm in this area. Thats a good price provided the service matches it. Does anybodys mechanic provide pressure washing as part of the job?

 

I only work on quads as a hobby. If I can change out a front boot in less than 1 hour, you would think that a guy that does it for a living could do it in the same amount of time. I ride with several Polaris Mechanics. They tell me they get paid commision based on the hours they bill for service. I know not all shops work this way, but for the ones that do, this might explain the 2 hours to replace a boot.

Greg

 

Greg I agree the boot can be changed without disassembling the hub. But isnt the large clamp a little difficult to get at? And what if the CV joint has been contaminated with dirt etc? Its easier to clean when disassembled. Sometimes grease is everywhere and the brake pads need to be replaced also and the area cleaned.

 

Picked her up today, after talking with the service guy for awhile, telling him what I have seen posted on my thread, got the cost down to 130 buck canadian, about 90 bucks US Labor took apparently 1 1/2 hours, cleaning the cv joint and regreasing it. It still "clicked" at first, until the grease had a chance to move around, now it is okay. Next time, I will be doing it myself, after I install a better guard around the boot, I don't think I will ever have to.