I'm getting ready to possibly buy a 2003 Grizzly as a 2nd quad. There are a about 40 posts (3 or so topics) on the Highlifter forum about the weaker axles/cv joints on the 2003 Grizzly. People are breaking multiple axles. Some with larger tires, some with stock tires. One post said that the dealer was claiming that there was a bad batch manufactured. There don't seem to be posts about this happening on the 2002 models. Many people are upgrading to an aftermarket axle that costs $300 each. I don't want to spend $7100 to have to replace 4 axles. That's unacceptable.

It seems that Yamaha may have made a mistake changing the axles for the 2003 model. They seem to be very weak compared to the ones on the 2002's. If however the problem turns out to be a bad batch, then I'll be happy to buy a Grizzly before Christmas. If not, then maybe I'll wait until 2004 and hopefully Yamaha will put more appropriate axles on there.

Was Yamaha trying to save money?? The change in axles for 2003 certainly doesn't seem like an UPGRADE.
I am impressed though about the fact that Yamaha has addressed the other issues from the 2002 model. Any clarifying information you guys have will be appreciated.
Thanks.


Cut and paste it these links.
http://www.highlifter.com/ubb/ultima...;f=18;t=003232
http://www.highlifter.com/ubb/ultima...8;t=003158;p=1
http://www.highlifter.com/ubb/ultima...158;p=2#000048

 

Anyone?

 

i havn't heard of this problem before. could be that whoever it was was riding it hard or hit something. i don't think they will break under regular riding, or even hard riding.

 

hey jeff,
first, i got your message, and sorry you couldn't make it saterday.
the story is that the first batch of 03 axles were weak at best. they have been changed by yamaha as far as i know. my axles have been through hell and back, with out a hitch, lol. i would defenitally check with the dealer to find out if he changed the axles on the grizzly your looking at, or check the part number to make sure there the replacement ones. dont know the part numbers, so i aint much help there.
as for the dealer your going through. i hope you read my posts, and beleave me when i talked about my dealer. i really mean it when i tell ya, the service maniger there could care less about me, my quad, or service i deserve to get. i was patient, loyal to them, and even over understanding, and he still found ways to chit on me, ripp me off, and disrespect me thourghly. they know nothing about the grizzly, and dont have a clue on how to work on one, lol. they even told me my clutch should be dry, no grease, lmao!!! i had to show them that there was grizzly grease, and convince them to order some!!!
the grizzly is a great quad, allaround the best bar none. maybe not the fasest, or the heaviest, or the widest. but if you ask it to do it, it will!
good luck jeff!!

 

Thanks Ron,
I read your post on the Highlifter forum. Thanks for the update. Let's ride soon.

 

Maybe the problem is not as widespread as I thought when I read the other forum.

 

I know this is an old post, but a friend of mine has broken his left rear inner and now his right rear outter. The first at 500 miles and now the second at 900 miles. I would consider his riding style "average". Are there any after market places that offer repair kits? He really doesn't want to spend $365 for one gorrilla axle. He has an 03 limited edition so maybe there's some truth to this post?