I ripped to 2 front boots on my bike after getting hung up on a fence row and having to back out ,in the process I ripped both front boots ,, I want to know just how much work it takes to replace the outer boots on my own ? I can do these little jobs and don't mind tackeling them ,if its a big job ,I'll just have my friend do it.

 

If you have the tools especially cv boot clamps,it's not that hard,but takes a little time to remove,clean up the cv and replace the boot and clamps. Use OEM Polaris boot kits as they are the best! Plenty of videos on this,but some don't show all the steps,you have to hunt and search. Basically you have to drop the a arm from the ball joint,remove tie rod,brake caliper, pull the strut out a little and bend the drive shaft out of the strut assy.You need to take note on how the awd system comes apart and when assembled torque the hub nut to 12 pounds. OPT

 

when you install the new oem (they are the best)boots, make sure 100% that you have them clean where the sit in the grooves and thatthe clamps are good and tight, as this is what keeps the water out. it is alot easier and almost a must to have the correct earless clamp pliers for the clamps.

 

Why do you think oem are the best boots? The rubber used on most oem boots is a neoprene that is not nearly as strong as a lot of heavy duty aftermarket boot kits. As long as the heavy duty manufacturer has used the correct oem specifications and the person riding doesn't have a list that stretches the boot beyond where the joint should be going anyways I think heavy duty is a better option. Less rips = less dirt/gravel kicking up in that joint and causing the inner components to get messed up.

 

Hey bud, take it from someone who has changed a lot of these boots on my 2003 Sportsman 500 HO, the only way to go is OEM! The reason is simple, the OEM boot is much more flexible and is much much easier to get in place and that allows proper seating of the clamp. I too was a skeptic and tried the aftermarket boots the first time and I was never able to get the clamps secure enough that I wound up pulling it all apart right away and replacing the aftermarket with OEM. Do yourself a favor and go OEM!

 

And I've changed a few myself over the years,OEM and after market!Problem is most aftermarket boots don't use oem specs and are sometimes hard to fit, plus clamps they supply usually SUCK! OPT

 

OPT, I actually sold my Sportsman HO in June and bought a Brute Force 650 and I keep coming back to the Polaris Forum simply to read your comments/advice/input as I am a life long learner (51 years old) and simply enjoy your advice and appreciate all you do for this forum. THANKS!

 

100% i have changed too many to admit too myself and found the flexabilty of the oem is better for not getting holes inthem and yes the clamps are just as important not to get crap in them.

 

I'm hearing you guys on your reasoning for the oem's being easier to install... but you are all saying you have had to change so many and I am just wondering why? Are these oem boots ripping/getting holes in them after installation? Flexibility during installation is a plus, but in my eyes flexibility of most boots is because they are made of weaker/thinner rubber... making it much lest durable for any kind of serious riding. If an aftermarket boot has been made to the correct specifications and you have the correct clamps (band-type clamps and banding tool) than a good/tight instillation shouldn't be a problem and then you shouldn't have to change them so often. Just my thoughts on the matter, but I'd like to hear a bit more on why you think the oems are a better option. Thanks.

 

The major problem is that the after market boots are too thick and I have the expensive banding tool,BUT in spite of tightening these clamps as tight as I could and bending the tabs over to lock the clamps in place,the boot would a lot of times still twist on the cv joint or at the small end of the shaft. This was the major problem I had with them. They would come back in and would be twisted up,either full of dirty water or twisted into a knot or torn half into. You can try em and may like em,but most of the people that I know that tried the heavy duty boots didn't like them any more than I did! OPT