I have an issue with my 1999 Polaris Sport 400 2WD that I need a "how-to" on ...

The ATV shifts into drive just fine, neutral just fine, & reverse just fine. When I shift into reverse, the light on the dash comes on & the reverse override works. However, the ATV will not move in reverse ... it just acts like it's in neutral. No chatter, no nothing.

I've read the posts about the snap-ring issue & was wondering if someone could post up a quick "how-to" for this. From how to get the tranny out (easiest way), how to crack open the gear case, and how/where to check for the missing snap ring.

Any advice???

 

It is the snap ring.Your best bet is to get you a service manual.They have step by step directions with pictures.It is simpler than tell in you on here.
PS it isnt a hard or big job.

 

I've shopped around a bit for a service manual ... but I've got in a bit of a time crunch and need to get this done. Plus, I'm cheap!

I've managed to remove the tranny from the frame already; I'll be opening it up soon. I was really after:

1) What I should look for once inside
2) Where to buy this snap ring
3) what should be done before I put it all back together (i.e. what sealant type for the gearcase, should any seals/bearing be replaced, etc)

 

go look at a parts break down of the tranny and you'll probably get an idear where it is. and put your yr/ bike model in. then go look up the parts.check here

 

When you get it apart you will see the clip is just out of the notch not broken.Check the reverse gear bushing for excessive wear letting it wobble on the shaft knocking the clip out.I have added a washer between the gear and clip to help keep in from coming out.Also seen people tack weld the clip to the shaft which isnt a great idea but wont hurt anything either.

 

Sure enough ... opened the trans up and the spring clip was out of it's notch about the width of the reverse gear. The reverse gear is wobbling a bit ... but it did not seem excessive. Everything else looked good; except the small chain spocket on the outside ... it was very loose on the shaft in my opinion (I'm hoping a new sprocket will straighten that out).

Looks like I'd have to remove that bearing north of the reverse gear to add a washer? I may just get the welder out and tack it in a few spot as mentioned. Or, could I simply just put the spring clip back in it's notch and call it a day? ... Just be more careful switching to reverse?

Here some pictures that show what I found ....

Picture #1

Picture #2

 

While you have the tranny out best to replace the chain too.