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.

Polaris Ranger front Differential Fluid Change: 9.3 oz Fluid Capacity

Changing the front diff fluid on the Ranger 800 is a quick and easy job.  The most difficult part is of the entire job is removing the fill plug on the front of the diff.  The oil change is relatively mess free due to the low 9.3 oz. fluid capacity.  Before getting started make sure to have a 8mm allen wrench and Polaris Demand Drive Hub Fluid or Polaris Angle Drive Fluid on hand.  Lots of discussion out there on using different brands such as Amsoil and fluid variations such as automatic transmission fluid and hydraulic fluid in the front differential gearcase on these Rangers.  You can do you're own research on that, but many swear by these alternatives.
Begin the process by driving the Ranger at road speeds for 15 minutes or more to warm the fluid up making the drain process quicker and more complete.  Next remove the 8mm drain plug with the allen wrench, there is a hole in the front skid plate for access.  As the fluid drains remove the fill plug located on front of the differential, you can do this without removing plastics.  Once fluid is drained reinstall the drain plug.  To fill you can attach a hose to the top of the Polaris Demand Drive Hub Fluid or Angle Drive Fluid nozzle and plumb it into the fill hole or use a funnel with hose, just be creative.  Others have filled the front diff by pouring fluid down the vent hose under the hood.  I've attached the video of our fluid change, but to be honest it was early on and not the best.