Driveshaft thoughts..

[AKSNOWRIDER]

ok just did a search, the last Polaris recall done was on april 8 2009 for 600 and 700 cc CFI sleds for a fuel line rub with could catch fire, polaris recalled aprox 7200 sleds..there was another recall in november 2007 for fuel necks cracking, this recall was for 28000 sleds..so..unless something really strange happens..best case senario is going to be..this might..might become a service bulletin down the road..most likely, it will be handled as a general warranty claim..meaning every autho will be done on a case by case claim..meaning pictures will most likely be required to get autho....

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

good enough kelsey...we disagree..and time will tell..but i know this the sheetmetal tunnel will not hold the shaft togeather if the glue breaks..as for your clamp..good luck with it..the consumers out there will decide for them selves..for me its not worth chancing my warranty on...if this turns out to be a big failure rate..polaris will step up in short order anyway..so either they will step up in a few weeks..or most likely..it will be just a general claim.....Good Luck ....

 

[RKT]

good enough kelsey...we disagree..and time will tell..but i know this the sheetmetal tunnel will not hold the shaft togeather if the glue breaks..as for your clamp..good luck with it..the consumers out there will decide for them selves..for me its not worth chancing my warranty on...if this turns out to be a big failure rate..polaris will step up in short order anyway..so either they will step up in a few weeks..or most likely..it will be just a general claim.....Good Luck ....

No problem..

I am just being proactive and trying to HELP people get on the snow before the recall, service bulletin, warranty, process happens that will, most likely, take a few months to be completed..

I think the safety issues that accompany this area are real and frightening.. So, again, just trying to help not claiming any permanent "fix" just an aid that will surely AID..

The risk of personal injury, for me, far exceed the risk of a claim denial that may or may not happen. Anything I can do to lessen the potential for failure is a step in the right direction IMO.. If Polaris denies ANY warranty claim inthis area, they will have to deal with the Magnusson Act that will be tough to dispute (since there have already been failures). not to mention, the potential loss of dedicated customers if they try and use a "scape-goat"..
I suspect that they will be receptive since they surely can see the short-comings of this design.

Any item, that will help in lessening this failure will only BENEFIT Polaris, since the customer will not be injured or left stranded on the mountain as a result of this failure.

ANY non injured, non stranded, customer will be a much happier customer than the one that had a failure.. So, Polaris, I would think, would prefer a happy customer over a UnHappy one (guess). Which should play to the desire to not deny any claim whether it be a recall or warranty.. again, just a guess..

FYI I consider a service bulletin and a recall the same entity. and there has already been 1 2013 service bulletin/recall on the sleds.. If they are different, then, my bad... but I do not see the difference..

 

[snowmobiler]

cool a guessing game.ill guess a 2 piece plastic collar shaped like a hexagon?

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

According to our AG..they are different...as for the magnussen/moss warranty act..yeah been there done that...would be far far cheaper to just go buy a 12 driveshaft..... then on the way home from buying it..throw fistfuls of hundies out the window....not saying you cant ger results..but plan on spending a pile..and spending years doing it...better to leave it bone stock, trail ride it to break in the belt, bring along(at least leave it in the truck) a kids plastic sled, some straps and a tow rope...if it fails..tow it back..then there is no question that it will be fixed.........

 

[SSABMUD]

Good luck seeing any replacement shafts from Polaris until well into the season. Then you will have dealer backlog to deal with to get it put in. I remember some XP guys very upset with dealers waiting to get their machines fixed. I have put the steel shaft in and will see if they will do something for me. I doubt it, am I mad?, not really sh t happens. If I needed a chopper ride or some new chompers, then yeah, I would be mad.

 

[byeatts]

Good luck seeing any replacement shafts from Polaris until well into the season. Then you will have dealer backlog to deal with to get it put in. I remember some XP guys very upset with dealers waiting to get their machines fixed. I have put the steel shaft in and will see if they will do something for me. I doubt it, am I mad?, not really sh t happens. If I needed a chopper ride or some new chompers, then yeah, I would be mad.

Poo will be stepping up, When,?? Dont No but the publicity will kill sales if they dont address this in some manner, Doo has a very attractive package now and many will look into jumping ship.It would be extremely arrogant for Poo to totally ignore this, some are already cancelling their planned purchase this year..

 

[teeroy]

And finally, for your clamp and leaving indications that it was on there..even if it doesnt leave a clamp mark(remeber, this is a heavy steel collar being sucked down tight on a thin sheetmetal aluminum tube extrusion.. even if no mark is left, i havent seen a driveshaft yet that didnt show all sorts of marks from being blasted with stuff while run..so , run this clamp for a while and then remove it and take it in..the area where the clamp was will look brand new/smooth compared to the rest of the shaft..very noticable even if it doesnt crimp up the tube..any one doubts this..walk out and flip any used sled up on its side and look at the driveshaft..it will have a blasted look to it..........

wrap black electrical tape around your shaft. the driveshaft, not your other shaft....then it will all look the same. problem solved.

 

[ak49er]

Corner to Corner contact between the internal and external hex fits.....hmmm seems Snap-On took care of this issue a few years ago with
"Flank-Drive" wrenches.

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

I smile more every time I open one of these threads, I am so glad I didnt snow check another polaris after my piece of chit dragon experience.

Depending on your dealer and how they submit claims if you change, add on, modify, improve or just plain add something to your sled for cosmetics they WILL deny any and all warranty claims. That being said if I had a 2013 poo I would gently break it in within reasonable tow distance until I was comfortable with the reliability of the machine then I would add whatever aftermarket gadget I could find that would increase my odds of having a reliable buggy. I absolutely love the pro chassis but hate dealing with polaris dealer's, reps and corporate ankle grippers.

Sorry to rant on your thread Mike but like you I've been thru the "it's just a few isolated cases" boolchit and came out alot more bitter than you

your always welcome in my chit chuck..and your right..you ever need the fix to hold one of these shafts togeather..let me know..I do have one that will not allow the hub to move in the tube..ever..course..still think the majority will be fine...........the IQR is looking sweet by the way...........

 

[RMKrider700]

So I'm sitting here the last two weeks reading about possible driveshaft problems. I have a 13 pro in the garage along with a unsold 08 700 rmk. Coming off riding the most reliable snowmobiles ever and living 800 miles from the mountains spending a few hundred more dollars to make my pro reliable is worth it to me. I'm afraid to let my 700 go because I have trips planned with a considerable amount of time and money invested in them. I don't want to fix or be down when I'm that far from home. With all this being said where can I get a metal shaft for cheap. I'm not willing to pay $477 bucks for one. I am not gonna wait for polaris to react. By then it will be too late. I'm not an engineer but I can look at the shaft and see it isn't gonna last. It's my opinion and to make my mind at ease I'm gonna replace it. Also do the drivers on the 13 press off and press back on the replacement? I have a press, just curious how difficult it will be. Thanks for any and all info

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

So I'm sitting here the last two weeks reading about possible driveshaft problems. I have a 13 pro in the garage along with a unsold 08 700 rmk. Coming off riding the most reliable snowmobiles ever and living 800 miles from the mountains spending a few hundred more dollars to make my pro reliable is worth it to me. I'm afraid to let my 700 go because I have trips planned with a considerable amount of time and money invested in them. I don't want to fix or be down when I'm that far from home. With all this being said where can I get a metal shaft for cheap. I'm not willing to pay $477 bucks for one. I am not gonna wait for polaris to react. By then it will be too late. I'm not an engineer but I can look at the shaft and see it isn't gonna last. It's my opinion and to make my mind at ease I'm gonna replace it. Also do the drivers on the 13 press off and press back on the replacement? I have a press, just curious how difficult it will be. Thanks for any and all info

Rider, the new shaft from polaris has the drivers on it..just install it..with that said..go talk to the dealer you bought the sled from, explain your concerns...ask him to contact poo warranty, explain your concerns and see if they will autho a 12 shaft replacement...if not, ask the dealer if he will give it to you for cost..you just spent 12 grand with him..if he wants you to buy more sleds in the future..he shouldnt have a problem with this..I think if enough do this..poo will hopefully do a goodwill warranty for those who request it...also think many dealers will gladly sell a shaft for cost to their customers just to keep them good customers(wont cost him a penny to sell at his cost) just so you know..its under 250 at dealer cost in the usa for the shaft....

I am surprised at the negativity of some consumers on here...almost like they are scared to talk to their dealer..I dont understand it, i have found most dealers more then happy to do everything they can to help out a customer...How hard is it to ASK?.whats the worst that happens, they say no? it puts you back to right where you are right now...then you can decide on a different course of action............

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

™ Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a new belt have the look and feel of plastic or wax?
Answer: The gray plastic-wax like coating on the belt is the mold release compound. This is the compound that sheds during initial vehicle use as stated in the Belt Break-In Period section on page 2.
What effect does the mold release compound have on belt performance?
Answer: The mold release compound on a new QuickDrive™ belt must be shed to optimize belt and sprocket performance. Optimized belt performance is achieved as the new belt and sprockets wear together during the break-in period. The mold release compound begins to shed the instant the drive system is moving and is typically completely shed at 100 miles (160 km).
What is the best piece of advice relating to the QuickDrive™ belt that I can give my customers when they take delivery of their new 2013 PRO RMK snowmobile or purchase a new QuickDrive belt™?
Answer: Customers should follow the drive belt and QuickDrive™ belt break-in process has outlined in the Owner’s Manual. To properly break-in a new QuickDrive belt:
 Vary the throttle position and limit full throttle use
 Always take time to warm up the belt and driveline prior to operating the snowmobile. Remember to free the track and skis from the ground before engaging the throttle.
In addition to the points found in the Owner’s Manual:
 Riders should periodically inspect the belt and clean the belt, sprockets and surrounding parts of the mold-release compound using a dry towel.
 During the break-in period, riders should stop and allow the snowmobile to cool after high throttle / high track load events. Doing so will not only help the QuickDrive™ belt achieve maximum performance, but also properly break-in the engine and drive belt.
 Riders must always be cautious when jumping and landing a snowmobile, and avoid “power-on” landings. Damage caused to any snowmobile component caused by improper use or abuse is not covered by warranty.
Is there an alternate method of installing the QuickDrive™ belt without using the installation tools?
Answer: Polaris recommends using the Belt Installation tools, SPX PN: PS-50826, when installing the belt and sprockets. The installation tools provide the easiest method to properly align the upper and lower sprockets with the drive and jack shafts.
While it is possible to install the belt and sprockets without the installation tools, never use a hammer, pry bar, or roll the belt onto the sprockets. Any damage to the sprocket teeth or belt caused by hammering, prying, or rolling the belt onto the sprockets will cause premature belt failure and not covered under warranty.
Why does a new QuickDrive™ belt kit include new sprocket fasteners?
Answer: New fasteners are included with the belt kit because you must remove the upper and lower sprockets to replace the belt. The fasteners that secure the sprockets to the drive and jack shafts have thread lock applied to the threads. Installing the new fasteners included with the belt kit ensure that new thread lock is used when installing the fasteners. Please follow the instructions included with the new belt and within this Team Tip when removing and installing a new belt.
Is there more QuickDrive ™ service information coming from Polaris in the future?
Answer: Yes. The Polaris Service Department is currently developing a QuickDrive™ Service video. When the video is published, we will post the video on the Polaris STOP website and under Unit Inquiry.

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

this is from the current warranty coverage details from polaris industries..for those of you who wish to try bolting/clamping/altering your driveshaft............

Powertrain Warranty Exclusions
Exclusions include anything not specifically listed in “Covered Items”, and are not
limited to the following:
 Any other chassis or body items, not listed under ‘Covered Items’
 Damage due to accident, fire, explosion, theft, or other causes beyond Polaris’ control
 Damage caused by the failure of other components of the snowmobile
 Failures caused by improper fuel or oil
 Piston seizures, unless caused by a defective engine component
 Failures caused due to improper adjustments
 Failure due to unauthorized service
 Failures due to lack of service as required in the owner’s manual or Polaris updates.
This includes off-season storage as listed in the owner’s manual.
 Failure due to use of unauthorized parts or modifications

 

[mountainhorse]

AK... where did you get that? (link)

Makes you wonder if you should be scrubbing the belts? (eh Polzin??)

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

its a new team tip....Eric...yeah was thinking the same thing..but I think I would advise against it, it maybe there to help the belt seat into the sprockets (at least on new sprockets)...it looks to be a different release agent as compared to a clutch belt..

 

[Boston Racing]

 Damage caused by the failure of other components of the snowmobile


Thats an intersting one. If a driveshaft breaks and it damages the track, skid, tunnel, or even the quickdrive belt you would think it should all be covered.

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

BR..I just went thru this with my 11..2 full seasons on it, never ben back to the dealer..ran flawless.gas and go as you can get, last ride, last spring, with my son on a spring bear hunt, end of the day headed back to the cabin, running about 30 breaking trail down the ledge on a valley floor...all of a sudden i have flames engulf the sled...slide to a stop, jump off, whole right side is engulfed. ...start shoveling snow on the hood, reach in and rip the side panel off, keep shoveling snow in..finally get it out, pick up the peices..drag the sled the last few miles to the cabin...start looking at the damage..end up pulling all the melted wires apart, using a strap around the clutch and get the thing to fire up(couple hrs involved in this)..sled runs, idles ok..moves..so next morning..we pack up and head for the truck(this is 50 miles of rough country).sled runs crappier and crappier..but we make it out..take to the dealer..turns out it stuck an ijector..filled the motor and the exhaust with fuel...polaris warrantied the injectors, complete engine, and some electrical..said the rest wasnt covered, even though a covered part resulted in the damage...so I filed a consumer complaint with our AG...8 months later..polaris and the dealer are fixing all the damage..(7 grand total in parts, last I heard)...it pissed me off bad enough to make me walk away from the 2-13 pro 163's I ordered, and as soon as the dealer hands me the 11 it is going up for sale as well.......I am glad poo finally stepped up..but I as a consumer..riding a completely stock drivetrain(yes I do reinforce my tunnel), who bought a sled with a in writing 4 yr bumper to bumper warranty should not have to get a lawyer to get warranty repairs done for a covered failed part......so yes, I do have first hand experience on what can go wrong with your poo warranty...........

 

[whoisthatguy]

Since Polaris is apparently claiming that it is dealer mishandling that causes the fence post cap to come out of the thin aluminum center section, and not their own lack of proper engineering, I would think that anyone could pull their 2013 Pro RMK driveshaft and take it to their dealer to trade it straight across for a 2012 Pro RMK driveshaft, since apparently it is a direct swap. The dealer can then reuse your old driveshaft when the non-Snowest rider comes in and needs a new driveshaft. Problem solved.

Here is a list of sleds that have the replacement driveshaft part number 1590486 :
2012 & 2013 800 Assault
2012 & 2013 800 RMK
2012 & 2013 600 RMK x 155
2012 600 Pro RMK x 155
2012 800 Pro RMK

 

[Going West]

BR..I just went thru this with my 11..2 full seasons on it, never ben back to the dealer..ran flawless.gas and go as you can get, last ride, last spring, with my son on a spring bear hunt, end of the day headed back to the cabin, running about 30 breaking trail down the ledge on a valley floor...all of a sudden i have flames engulf the sled...slide to a stop, jump off, whole right side is engulfed. ...start shoveling snow on the hood, reach in and rip the side panel off, keep shoveling snow in..finally get it out, pick up the peices..drag the sled the last few miles to the cabin...start looking at the damage..end up pulling all the melted wires apart, using a strap around the clutch and get the thing to fire up(couple hrs involved in this)..sled runs, idles ok..moves..so next morning..we pack up and head for the truck(this is 50 miles of rough country).sled runs crappier and crappier..but we make it out..take to the dealer..turns out it stuck an ijector..filled the motor and the exhaust with fuel...polaris warrantied the injectors, complete engine, and some electrical..said the rest wasnt covered, even though a covered part resulted in the damage...so I filed a consumer complaint with our AG...8 months later..polaris and the dealer are fixing all the damage..(7 grand total in parts, last I heard)...it pissed me off bad enough to make me walk away from the 2-13 pro 163's I ordered, and as soon as the dealer hands me the 11 it is going up for sale as well.......I am glad poo finally stepped up..but I as a consumer..riding a completely stock drivetrain(yes I do reinforce my tunnel), who bought a sled with a in writing 4 yr bumper to bumper warranty should not have to get a lawyer to get warranty repairs done for a covered failed part......so yes, I do have first hand experience on what can go wrong with your poo warranty...........

All manufactures do the same thing. I had a similar experience with a quad I had from AC. The motor case cracked on it and it pulled water and mud into the engine through the crack, fried the whole motor, 5000 to replace. They only covered the cost of the case and claimed the rest was not covered.

Both your claim and mine were on the extended warranty which is actually completely different company then the manufacture. All aftermarket insurance companies will try and get out of paying money any way the can. It reflects very poorly when things like this happen.