Question on replacing U-Joints on the older polaris ATVs. Before I put my 93 350L 4X4 away for the winter, I noticed one of the front U-Joints was starting to have a little play. Not a lot, but enough that I am planning on buying a pair so I can replace both on the front driveline. My question is, can I replace them without pulling the axles? There seems to be plenty of room there to get at them but never did ones on an ATV before.

Thanks,
Mike

 

Problem is that you do have room,but you need pressure to get the u joint cups down from the yoke. Many times they are frozen over the years and have to be driven out. You can try a large type c clamp and see if it works,but I wouldn't fight it if it's a struggle. In most cases it's easier to just pull the drive shaft to where you can work on the bench or floor to replace the u joints. Most of the time I used an air impact to drive the cups down after removing the clips.

 

I do have a C press that I use for u-joints but it would be a tight fit. I have bit for my air hammer that i use occasionally to drive the caps on u-joints but I wasnt sure if this would be ok with the axle still mounted in the vehicle. I guess worse case scenario is I find out how hard it will be to pull the axles on a 22 year old machine, lol.

 

Just use the air hammer and a small bit to drive out the yoke spring pin. I'd get a new pin if you go this route. Drive shaft should be able to yank off fairly easy off the dif shaft or just use the air hammer again for a couple impacts on the yoke if it's stubborn. Hardest part on the whole thing is having to remove the hub,bearings, roll cage and armature plate and then having to install them back again after the u joints are replaced.