Polaris Sportsman 550xp repair nightmare!

This 2009 Polaris sportsman 550xp eps came into the shop already torn down. Let’s dig in and see what’s going on.

[@jackdewinter6837]

What an awesome deal on that repair at the polaris dealer that would be like 3000 in parts and labor

[@heavysnow8616]

Most likely more! Also, it wouldn't be fixed.

[@heavysnow8616]

Great video. I had many sleepness nights trying to fix aircraft. Perfect plan, give the customer accurate info.

[@motofarmmx2430]

Fair pricing for sure. Awesome video. Glad to see you growing.

[@Williamxmr]

I encourage people who watch these videos to try to make a similar one of an oil change on their own. It would be eye-opening to a lot of people how hard this is to do. Great work and great attitude.

[@justinstearns9723]

My girlfriend’s dad had the same issue with his 2015 850 XP. Ended up taking out the trans too plowing snow last year. So in the spring it got a new primary and a new used transmission.

[@jmudd5449]

You forgot the steering stem and handlebars. Your a good dude.

[@jonas.cronholm-lundin]

Really nice video showing the fixes you did! I live in Sweden and as I also use it for some plowing work so I sure need to fix things here and there with my 550 from time to time (I have the Sportsman Forest version 2013 model). My impression is that it rides well, but there are always something need fixing, so I guess I have some kind of love-hate relationship with my machine! :D

[@gamingradeon]

I noticed you've said for the plowing this customer had his front suspension set up stiff. But actually the customer cannot adjust suspension stiffness, only preload (suspension sag) It is a long time misconception. You don’t adjust the stiffness of the ride with the preload adjustments. You adjust riding height. Only the best shocks allow "stiffness" adjustments via compression and rebound adjustments. I'm sure this polaris does not have these adjustments. Depending on how much you load your vehicle (in this case attaching a snow plow to the front), you have to adjust the ride height (preload). If you drive with a load, often with people, with a snow plow attached, making the preload setting on the highest setting on the front will help you reduce the suspension sag and improve the suspension while you are loaded with weight and driving. You might ask, why not make the preload on the highest setting always, the more the better right? I thought so too. But remember, suspension does not only move upwards when you hit a bump, but it also moves down when you drive into a pothole. The key for a good suspension is to make your vehicle glide over the obstacles like rocks and potholes without making the wheel lose contact with the road. Ideally a good suspension will make you glide over the road without feeling nor rocks, nor potholes. The more you increase the preload, the more you increase the chances that the wheel while driving over a pothole will not be able to reach the bottom of the pothole. If you reduce the preload as much as you can, it can be so that when you drive over bigger rocks, there will be not enough upward suspension travel left to take the bump. Preload has to be adjusted smartly. Not too much, not too little, but it highly depends on how much weight/people ride in your vehicle. Suspension sag/riding height is what you adjust with suspension preloads :) In this case, the customer has maxed out his polaris preload setting. With a snow plow it might drive better, but without the snow plow, it feels stiff, since there is not much suspension travel left for the downward movement (hitting a pothole).

[@SweLaris]

Man i have been waiting so long for this video! I love the Polaris videos, and this was a very nice machine to see get this kind of treatment! Also, i really think it is time for you to get yourself a camera mount for the chest or something, i cant even comprehend how you make these videos one handed lol. Great job! You got a very lucky customer!

[@rockspowersports]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Hoping to do some more in depth repairs on here soon.

[@againstmywill23]

Still an amazing bargain! Well done.

[@suvarbm]

Great video!

[@donalddesilets7640]

Great video! Now I know why people travel miles to have you do the work!!

[@rockspowersports]

Thanks, I appreciate that!

[@colinlogan4879]

Excellent deal! Would of cost tripple or more at a dealer with all new parts

[@cherokeesome]

You have one fortunate customer! I wish you were close to me so I could bring you my foreman.

[@codyallen6547]

So cheep! Wish you were close to me.

[@Williamxmr]

Editing is excellent

[@rockspowersports]

Thanks! Glad you enjoy it.

[@redimido4u]

Great video

[@rockspowersports]

Thank you!

[@rockspowersports]

Thank you!

[@mark0decker827]

Power steering on a quad? Damn im old. Lol

[@joerutkowsky3261]

Can you do a video of you putting in the aftermarket power steering? I would love to see that video

[@micahhittinger6083]

That was an awesome price on the power steering! My power steering went bad on my Sportsman 850. I can’t find it anywhere online for less than $1900. Where can you get it for $1000? Used ones on EBay are 6 to 800. $200 was a steal for your customer. Sadly I drive mine around with no power steering because it’s so expensive to fix.

[@Tom-jx5lm]

I just came came across your channel. Great content I just subscribed. I have a 2011 550XP so this is very relevant. I am getting a ratcheting sound in low gear when I let off the throttle problem i am trying to figure out. I would appreciate any thoughts youmay have on that.

[@mark0decker827]

A one way sprague bearing? Fiber washers? Man them quads look complicated.

[@mrozark7123]

Great video, you gained a new sub if I need to do any work on my 2016 850SP!

[@johnnugent6516]

Arkansas Wavin

[@colinthepanamerican]

Oooooo another 550, it would be nice to compare it with my Artic cat 550!!

[@rockspowersports]

It sure would. I’m sure I’ll get a Cat 550 in the shop sometime.

[@user-dm9ez3mo7w]

What can make hard to pass gear ? Clutchs ?

[@joerutkowsky3261]

I was waiting for the Polaris 550 video. I have the same 550 as yours. Just the basic one no power steering. I got it for $450. But it burns oil. I think it’s the valve seals. Because I did a compression test. And got 225psi. Have you ever done the valve seals on one of these 550’s ? I wish you were closer to me I would have you do it for a video. Anyway. Great video as always. Cheers buddy.

[@rockspowersports]

Man $450 was a steal! It very well could be the valve seals. Does it clear up at all when it’s warmed up? I have not had to do the 550 valve seals yet but I’m sure it’s the same as all of them. I’ve done 850’s and 570’s.

[@joerutkowsky3261]

@@rockspowersports no it still smokes bad. When you did the valve seals on the 850. Did you make a video. I don’t think I have seen it. And I think I seen all your videos. (Big fan of your channel) :)

[@Fireman9ify]

Reasonable pricing

[@inlinecoupe]

I have a 2010 550XP having the same issue. Had to order a new primary clutch assembly, however it’s constantly grabbing the belt, no matter how I shim it. I’m thinking of returning it. Do you recommend any specific brand or should I shell out the cash and buy Polaris? Heck, I’d buy one from you if you had one! Thanks!

[@worktorideoutdoors4944]

Do you have any info on the 2019 sportsman 570 clunking on throttle up.

[@jmj267]

I watch a few vids a night and I will say again. You are awesome dude. You know you're bolts. Do you think dealers go through stuff like you do?

[@rockspowersports]

I appreciate it, glad you enjoy the contents. I think dealers might turn away some of the work I get.

[@jmj267]

Lucky you had lots of parts in the field. Money on top of money. Good worth saving some parts. Happy Holidays!

[@MegaWildweasel]

very nice, question on the primary clutch on the older polaris (1989 trailboss 250) do they have the one way bearing also? I am getting ready to service mine. checking the service manual it appears they do not.

[@rockspowersports]

Your trailboss 250 does not have the one way bearing.

[@williamrussell8887]

Hi can you give me the part number for that one way bearing

[@donaldpeck3192]

Im glad my hl 850 doesnt have power steering. I never wanted it

[@rockspowersports]

Oh really? I thought all the Polaris highlighters came with Powersteering.

[@donaldpeck3192]

@rockspowersports the 850s don't. Juat the 1000. At first I was bothered by it. But I don't think it bothers me as much really. Just one more thing to fry out

[@rockspowersports]

@donaldpeck3192 Good to know! And yeah especially how they are designed with mudding in mind, I’d probably rather go without. Expensive to repair when they break.

[@Hammerback972]

Are you saying i shouldnt just watch the KZbin video titled "remove your clutch using bread" to take my Polaris sportsman clutch loose? (Yes. Thats actually a video😂)

[@rockspowersports]

I’ve seen people use that trick before also with oil. I’d recommend spending the $30-$50 on the clutch puller.

[@blairbeattie3308]

Nope not going to buy one of those ones to many things to go wrong

[@northern4wheeler461]

Great video , I have a 1999 ranger 6x6 needs transmission work would you be interested I'm in northern maine

[@rockspowersports]

Interested in repairing for you or interested in buying it?

[@northern4wheeler461]

I lost interest in it, i would like to sell it thanks for the reply@@rockspowersports

[@rockspowersports]

How much are you thinking?

[@grousehunter67]

What did the guy pay for the machine ?

[@rockspowersports]

He ended up doing some trading for it to my understanding.

[@grousehunter67]

@@rockspowersports just curious when your getting it in a box im not sure i would go to high , great video 👍

[@johntucker9346]

sell your parts to cheap ...i sell half of new or around that

[@UpInSmoke54]

Vertical video 👎