hi, i have a polaris 455cc diesel from 1999 and it hadn't been used in 5 years when i got it. the rear diff seams to be locked. is okay in a field but when turning its a nightmare. i don't want to break the diff, i was wondering what the issue is. is it an electrical issue? because 7 wires go to the gearbox/diff or is it a mechanical issue?

Thanks

 

Uses the same gear case as the Sportsman 500 which are pretty stout for the most part. Jack it up and check the u joint drive shafts.They were the weak link to this model whether diesel or gas.If u joints or yokes are worn out,can make turning real squirrelly.Dirt Cheap Yamaha, Polaris, Suzuki & Kawasaki OEM Parts & Accessories – Cycle Parts Warehouse

 

how do you actually check them?

 

Just wiggle the tires back and forth while the rear ends up in the air. You can tell real quick if the yokes or u-joints are sloppy and worn. Plus these type shafts were screwed into a spacer in the rear end and went into the main rear drive sprocket that was chain driven. Item #53 on the parts break down.Dirt Cheap Yamaha, Polaris, Suzuki & Kawasaki OEM Parts & Accessories – Cycle Parts Warehouse

 

there seams to be quite a bit of play when i wiggle the wheel back and forth, i presume they need replaced then?

 

Yes I'd replace them(u joints) before any damage(if it hasn't already happened) to the yokes themselves. This drive shaft assy is expensive and you can't swap it out for the later model cv joint type. If the yokes are wallowed out they cost as much as just getting the complete drive shaft assy. Over $300 each.Dirt Cheap Yamaha, Polaris, Suzuki & Kawasaki OEM Parts & Accessories – Cycle Parts Warehouse

 

okay, so i need to replace the 'u Joints' is this the cross shaped piece? there are 4 of them?

sorry, but i don't know much about cv joints...

 

Here's a cross reference on the Polaris part#1590257 on the u joints that are cheaper than oem. Polaris 1590257, ATV Parts Cross-Referencing Also shows the physical dimensions that can help. Plus on other forums people have used Napa#338 u joints. NAPA AUTO PARTS Best to have a press or air impact to remove and replace these. But you can also use a large c clamp like in this video on a Prop shaft u joint replacement,but same procedure as the ones in the drive shaft.

 

Okay, thank you for your help. I've ordered them now, and I'll update you on how it is after I've finnished!

 

Also the quad bike has only done 900km but that must be quick for these to need replaced? Perhaps sitting for 5 years doesn't help? It's only got 150hours so it super low for being a 1999 I bet everyone will want it now. Haha