Just bought this 2001 polaris xplorer 400, I was told the 4x4 didn't work. After looking into it, I am pretty sure the output shaft is broken, no chain sproket. Is this a common issue? Is it easy to replace? What would cause the shaft to break off? Also should the front sproket rotate by hand if the 4x4 isn't engaged. It doesn't rotate and I am wondering if that is what caused the shaft to snap. I don't want to replace the shaft, if the front drive is buggered up.
Thanks
mark

 

Weak area where the shaft was machined or center concentric bearings/shaft can be frozen as causes. You can always take the front chain off and test the center concentric to see if you can rotate the sprocket by hand. Takes quite a bit of force to snap an output shaft,but can happen even if the concentrics and chains are good. Stress on the output shaft under a load or from being stuck in mud can snap one. Just take it one step at a time when checking out a machine that has 3 chains and 3 concentric housings.Bearings /seals aren't that expensive,but is time consuming to repair. If you don't plan on replacing the output shaft,then do as some have done and forget the center and front chain and use it as a two wheel drive.

 

I didn't know they still had 3 chains on a 2001 Xplorer. When did they switch to a front drive shaft?

 

Good eye.. 98 was last year model on the 3 chain set up. Guess he bought an older model than he thought..

 

Time to run the VIN and see what year it really is. It will make a difference finding parts. ATV Vin Number : Check and Decode Your VIN

 

Well that sucks, I just ordered a new starter for it assuming it was a 2001.

 

No problems on the starter as the 2 strokes all used the same style starter no matter what year model.

 

excellent, thanks

 

So unfortunately, I could find any numbers on the frame. Are they engraved, or on a plate or sticker. The only numbers I found are on the recoil case, but they are not 17 digits long.
Prod No.
EC38PLE060 3521
SER NO.
9701016

Does anyone have any idea.

Thanks for the help. I am guessing 97

 

97 model.. First two digits of the engine number are the year model.. 9701016