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.

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.

Polaris Ranger 800 Oil Change

To change oil on the Polaris Ranger 800 it requires only a hand full of tools.  The process is very easy and it will take more time sourcing the oil filter and oil than actually doing the oil change.  I'll describe exactly how to do this...

Before getting started make sure to have the following supplies and tools on hand.
- 6mm Allen wrench
- drain pan
- oil filter
- 2 qts oil or 1.9 liters
- oil filter

After warming the engine up remove the 6mm allen head drain plug as shown in the video.  In the video we ran into a problem, the oil had lots of moisture in it.  After the foamy oil drained out we got scattered and forgot to show the oil filter removal location. If you're does not look contaminated you can now remove the spin on filter located in the front of the engine, accessible on the driver side, in front of the rear tire.  Once all the oil has drained reinstall the 6mm drain plug and oil filter.  You may want to lube the o-ring on the oil filter prior to install.  Once the oil filter is installed, fill the engine with 2 quarts of oil, let it settle, check the dipstick and you're ready to ride!  I've included some options below for gathering whats needed for the Ranger 800 oil change.

How to change oil Kawasaki 400 Bayou 4x4

Changing the oil on the 400 Bayou is a simple task and very crucial to its long term reliability.   Mostly due to the incorporation of the hassle free spin on style oil filter and sight glass oil level gauge.  The only tool required for this job is a 17mm socket and ratchet.  To start, remove the 17mm drain plug located in the middle of the belly skid plate.  As the oil is draining remove the oil filter by turning it counter clockwise.  I like the Wix filters, part number 51358.  Replace the oil filter and reinstall the drain plug.  Make sure you have at least 4 quarts of wet clutch compatible oil on hand.  This oil is often stamped motorcycle or atv oil which contains the friction additive.  You will find the case to be stamped with 3.7 liters, which is equivalent to almost four quarts.  Pour 3 quarts in and then begin gradually adding the 4th quart, checking the sight glass until its just below the upper mark.  Now start the Bayou and let it idol for a couple minutes.  Turn it off and then wait a couple minutes for the oil to drain back down and then recheck the oil sight glass.