2002 Polaris Sportsman - Front Axle Removal

[BecSneed913]

I bought a 2002 Polaris Sportsman 700 twin 4x4. after purchasing it, i realized there was quite a bit of slack where the axles go into the front gearbox. Dont know if this normal or how to get the old axles out of the front gearbox. Would be thankful for any help.

[oxidized_black]

Im pretty sure there are cir-clips inside the cv boots on the axle, at the axle/diff holding them in place. if you dont have the cir-clip pliers, get them, they are worth there weight in gold ... maybe not at todays prices, but, they will come in handy when you need them ....

[BecSneed913]

Thank you for your response. I saw that on the service manual that there are Cir-Clips, but I have looked every which direction and dont see one. According to the manual, it appears to be placed on the inside of the diff, which doesnt make much sense. I know that theyre not, but again, I cant see any.

[oxidized_black]

if there is about a half inch of play or less, should be ok. you have to take the boot off to see them. they lay very close to the diameter of the shaft, you would have to tug the shaft outward perhaps to see/feel the clip, and are quite tight to the dfiff housing ...

[BecSneed913]

Im sorry. I didnt explain this part..... Ours has a yoke coming out, going to the U Joints. There is no boot surrounding the joint. Apparently the 2002 was changed mid way through the production year.... pre 5-1-02 and post 5-1-02. Thank you though.

[oxidized_black]

could be rusted in ... yank it hard or get a come-a-long to try and pull it out