How to Clean Your ATV and the Products We Use

Washing your ATV or UTV and choosing a product can be overwhelming with the selection at retail stores.  Generally we've found that you get what you pay for in this category.  We've tried lots of products and have found a combination of cleaning products that not only make the job easier, but also produce professional results.  This article will show you how to clean and wash you're ATV.
Now remember we are not affiliated with the companies that produce these products, but when we find things that work we pass it along.  Watch the process here. 
1. De-greaser: Auto Magic Red Hot (#51)
2. Wash: Auto Magic Wash and Wax (#56)
3. Shine: Auto Magic Magic Dressing (#33)  
4. Aluminum Cleaner: Purple Power Aluminum Brightener 

Doing this process will result in a professional detailed look for your ATV and should be done at least once a year to ensure it maintains top value.  Begin by gathering up the cleaning products and remember your first deep cleaning will be the hardest and those after will become easier.  Begin by knocking all the mud off the plastics and under the fenders.  Use a fanning motion with the pressure washer at at least a foot distance from the atv to ensure no decals are removed and water doesn't penetrate seals.  This is a good time to remove any front plastic that impedes a direct spray flush of the radiator.  Once all debris is off or loosened spray the entire quad down with degreaser and just before it dries wash it off.  Depending on the condition of your ATV this may have to be done twice.  Next support the ATV on jack stands and remove the tires and wheels.  Again, knock any dirt off the areas where gunk may have collected over the years.  Next pick an area with aluminum (motor, hubs, brake calibers, front or rear diff and apply the Aluminum Cleaner.  Let it sit for 10-15 seconds and wash off, if its left on to long it will dull the aluminum.  This may have to be done two to three times to get the premium results.  Once all aluminum has been cleaned.  Wash and scrub the entire ATV with the Wash and Wax, this step will keep fish eyes from developing while the ATV dries and the wax in the wash is a great conditioner for the powder coated frame.  Let your ATV dry in the sun or speed the process up by blowing off with a leaf blower.  To complete the process put your ATV in the sun and the plastics will warm up making them accept the dressing much better.  Spray Magic Dressing over the entire ATV very liberally and let it bake in the sun for couple hours.  Take a rag and remove any pooling or excessive dressing and you're done!

Sportsman 800 Front Gearcase Differential Fluid Change

Changing the front differential gearcase fluid on a 2012 Polaris Sportsman is not a hard job.  There is much debate about fluid compatibility, using the recommended Polaris Demand Drive Fluid or Angle Drive Fluid.  The Angle Drive Fluid is a thicker oil and is used in approximately 2004 and earlier Polaris models that engage the AWD at the front hubs.  These models have a larger bolt on center cap on the front wheels.  In the newer models the AWD system is referred to as being centralized and engages in the front differential gearcase and uses the thinner Demand Drive Fluid.  See the Difference between Demand Drive Fluid and Angle Drive Fluid here. We recommend sticking with the factory recommended Demand Drive Fluid.  
To watch the entire fluid change click here.

Before getting started have the following ready:
1. Polaris Demand Drive Fluid (9oz.)
2. 8mm allen wrench
3. oil catch pan
4. rags

Begin by driving the Sportsman 800 for a couple miles at road speeds to warm the fluid. Next park on level ground and removing the 8mm allen head drain plug located under the front skid plate.  The drain plug is magnetic, check for debris and remember some build up is normal.  While the fluid is draining remove the 8mm allen head fill plug located on front of the differential gearcase.  Re-install the drain plug and fill the gearcase with Demand Drive Fluid, approximately 9 oz. or until it reaches the bottom of the fill plug.

800 Sportsman Transmission Fluid Change

Changing transmission fluid on the Polaris 800 Sportsman is quick, easy to access and requires only one tool. This video shows how to change Sportsman 800 transmission fluid. The Sportsman transmission housing is paired with the rear differential, one fluid change does both.  

Before getting started gather up everything needed for the fluid change.

- Polaris AGL PLUS Transmission Fluid, 1 qt.
- 8mm allen wrench
- catch pan
- funnel or watch the video
- rags

Warm the transmission fluid up by driving around at road speeds for a couple miles.  Park on level ground and remove the 8mm drain plug located behind the right rear tire.  As the fluid drains you can remove the fill plug located behind the left rear tire, below the battery and just behind the CVT case.  Once fluid has drained re-install the transmission drain plug, just hand tight.  Next fill with Polaris AGL Fluid until it begins to run out the fill plug hole.  We found our transmission to hold slightly less than a full quart of AGL Fluid.

What to Look for When Buying Used ATV

We've purchased several used ATV's over the last months to bring reviews and fix it information.  Even folks that are knowledgeable and skilled at buying used miss things or the defect doesn't show up until rode for extended periods.  In general, here are a couple things we avoid and check out when buying used.

Things to absolutely avoid, unless buying way below value. 
1. snorkels
2. rebuilt engine top end & other drive line 
3. super aggressive tires (like these pictured)
4. high miles with low hours, unless road miles
5. won't start, but seller claims was running fine yesterday
6. seller has the ATV running when you arrive to look at it (feel the engine, if warm the seller may be tying to cover up a cold start issue) 

When checking out the used ATV here are some things to look at.
1. inside air box, check for signs of water (better walk away at this one)
2. front drive shaft, check to see if play in it
3. front wheel bearings, check for signs of play (some is normal)
4. axle boots, check for ripped boots
5. seals, check for leaks
6. brakes

When buying a used ATV it's very likely that you'll have to spend between $100 - $400 for general maintenance and replacing normal wear and tear items soon after your purchase.  Some of these items include:
1. battery
2. brakes
3. front wheel bearings
4. carburetor cleaning or rebuild  

Once you get you're (new to you) ATV home we'd suggest pulling it straight into the garage and at the very least performing a oil change and installing a new air filter.  We'll discuss more on specific makes and models of ATV's in future articles, but this should give you a good foundation of what to look for when buying a used ATV.  Everything ATV UTV Reviews (Used Buyers Guide)

What is the Difference in Demand Drive Fluid and Angle Drive Fluid: Polaris Front Gearcase Noise After Oil Change

Recently we were changing the front differential fluid on a 2012 Polaris Sportsman 800.  Some folks suggested using Angle Drive Fluid and that it replaced Demand Drive Fluid.  The Owner's Manual makes no mention of this fluid, so after much research and looking at the fluids, it's apparent that these two oils are different in every way.  Watch the Comparison.

Polaris Angle Drive Fluid is made for the earlier model Polaris 4x4 ATV's that have the electrically actuated hub assembly.  This means the AWD system engages at the hub assembly or similar to a old pick-up truck that you have to get out of and lock the 4wd system in at the center of the front wheels.  The front diff on these style quads use the Angle Drive Fluid, which appears to be the same consistency and very similar to a gear oil.

Polaris Demand Drive Fluid is formulated for (approximately) 2004 and newer Sportsman's that the AWD (4x4) system engages in the front differential.  This fluid is much thinner and resembles hydraulic fluid.  The Demand Drive Fluid is clear and very thin as you can see in the video.  Some folks have ran Angle Drive Fluid in the newer center actuating front differentials with no issues, while others report the fluid made their front gearcase make a loud popping noise and ultimately break down.

Polaris Ranger 800 Popping and Sqeeking Noise in Front End Suspension: How to check Ball Joints

So you're Polaris Ranger is well broke in and while trail riding you begin hearing the popping, squeaking and just irritating noise coming from the front end. Recently we replaced all four ball joints on a Ranger 800 Crew, uppers and lower ball-joints.  To check your ball-joints raise the front end of the Ranger with a jack.  With the pressure no off all the joints you can simply grab the tire and check for movement.  This video demonstrates how to check the ball-joints on a Polaris Ranger.  We were able to successfully change all the joints with basic tools that included: hammer, socket, snap ring pliers, hand held MAP gas torch and a lot of banging around.

Brute Force 650 Oil Change: 1.85 qts. Capacity

This article explains how to change oil on a Brute Force 650, including tools needed, the oil capacity and a free "how to" video.  Our demonstration was preformed on a 2013 BF, but will work for all year models of the Brute Force 650 and the older Prairie 650.  Before getting started make sure to have the following on hand: 17mm socket, oil drain pan, 2 quarts of oil and oil filter.

Begin by warming the engine up, either driving it around or letting it idle until the fan kicks on.  Next remove the 17mm oil drain plug, located near the center of the middle skid plate.  Let the oil drain completely, it may take 10-15 minutes.  Next remove the automotive style oil filter, located on front of the engine, turn it counter clockwise to remove.  Next reinstall the 17mm drain plug and oil filter.  We installed a Wix 51358 oil filter for this Brute Force 650.  You will now need to fill the engine with 1.85 quarts of oil.  Many folks have their own preference of oil and the chart is recommendations from the Owner's Manual.