Thanks for looking.
Any one out there with knowledge on how to tell when ball joints have worn out?
03 sp 500h.o
I took the strut assy off to replace struts cartridge & notice the ball joints move freely (Not so much after l greased them)
One has a very lil up& down play.
Any opinions will be appreciated.

 

If you can see the play then it is time to replace. Once they start to move you will get a hammering action and they go fast.

 

Thanks for responding 3_Polaris_ATVs.
I was afraid of that...........hmmm what else can I throw money & time at?
never mind me just venting.

 

That is Ok, I just installed 3 batteries. I installed 2 new starters last year and now I need a third one. It never ends.

 

hi. im getting sick of polaris. my last one was cv boots, and now my new one just out of warranty by 30days to the date the fuel level sensor goes out. im getting sick of it. but id rather replce your part than mine. good luck tho.

 

I bought it in this condition. It didn't expect it needed so many things fixed.Boy was I wrong.
Trying to save a few dollars in buying a fixer upper and I am ending up breaking even as if I bought a used turn key wheeler.
I guess the bright side is I will know this machine and will be minimizing possible future unexpected problems .
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy tinkering with things but I need instant gratification from time to time and I 've been working on it for about a month(not st8:waiting for parts etc)
Can wait to take her out.

 

Definitely sounds like they need replacing. Check your tie rod ends and wheel bearings while you are at it. Might as well bite the bullet while you have it apart cuz you'll be replacing the other items sometime anyway. If you haven't already, buy the parts off eBay. Waaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyy cheaper than the dealer. Wouldn't hurt to keep an eye on there for cheap parts that you may need also.

 

Hang in there. I know how bad buying a fixer upper can be. I dont know how many times I would fix something, go on my test ride and something else break. It took me awhile cause I was young and broke, but eventually I had a like new quad with lots of blood, and sweat put in it. The good thing about it is you know every bolt, screw and washer on your quad and you know it's done right. I would do like switzo said and replace as many things as you can when tearing something apart. The good thing is it's early so you should have it done in time to get a lot of summer riding in. Good Luck and don't give up on Polaris just yet.

Chuck, you must be having a bad day with yours, wanting to go buy a Honda now. I would try and get your gauge fixed, but first check all your connections to make sure they are clean and tight. You have been doing a lot of tinkering around with your electrical system. Do you think maybe something happened from that? Hope you get it fixed, but even if you do they don't work right anyway.

 

Can I have your old starters, because 99.9% its just a sticky brush on a Polaris starter ,quick easy free fix. Dont throw out the baby with the bath water as they say.

 

Thanks switzomatic & Rowe,
yes I am replacing front bearings ,and seals up front. I had to buy a Hub strut assy off ebay among other things and yes way cheaper than "stealers" price.
Turns out ball joint good on it. So I am not replacing that just yet. Tie rods boots are chewed up a bit I figure I can replace those some other time since I will not have to pull the strut housing off to do so.
Rowe your right I will know this machine from top to bottom and it is taking me a while cuz
I want to do it right. Thanks for the support.
ANYONE know why the strut hub seal & bearing kit comes with 2 seals when it only uses 1???

list of things I replaced, gonna replaced or fixed;

1 STRUT TOWER
BOTH FRONT SPRINGS
STRUT CARTRIDGES
BEARINGS , RACE , SEALS IN HUB & STRUT HOUSING
BALL JOINT BOOTS
DISSECTED STARTER TO FREE UP BRUSHES
REFINISHED THE BATERY BOX WITH BED LINER (WAS CORRODED)
REMOVED & RESTORING SLOPPY SILICON SEAL JOB ON AIR BOX & BELT HOUSING
REPLACING BOTTOM POD HOUSING(PREVIOUS OWNER CUT OUT WHERE LIGHT PIVOTS)
REAR CV JOINT & BOOT
INSTALLED NEW SCREWS ON CARB IDLE ADJUST PLATE(2MISSING)
INSTALLED MISC MISSING BOLTS
SPEEDO NOT WORKING TO BE FIXED
1 HILLARD MIGHT NEED REPLACING (WAS SEIZED W/RUST)CLEANED HAS PITS BUT MOVES FREELY
WILL CHANGE ALL FLUIDS SOME AS i PUT IT ALL BACK TOGETHER
I MIGHT OF LEFT SOMETHING OUT WILL UPDATE.
SORRY FOR CAPS..BEING LAZY ..i AM A 1 FINGER TYPER GUY