Front drive shaft...?

[B B]

Anyone have any info on the front drive shaft fix for 2024's? Anyone get it replaced? Was told today Polaris shortened the front driveshaft and added a boot. Was this already discussed and I missed it?

 

[sscappaticci68]

I'm installing a Sandcraft drive setup, much stronger.

 

[JTBarlow]

Anyone have any info on the front drive shaft fix for 2024's? Anyone get it replaced? Was told today Polaris shortened the front driveshaft and added a boot. Was this already discussed and I missed it?

The ‘25 driveshaft is the same dimensions, just with the boot added on the slip joint. And they still haven’t fixed the tolerance issue.
The Sandcraft driveshaft, while expensive, is a very good upgrade. It lessens the shaft angles, has fully grease-able u-joints and carrier bearing, and it’s much stronger with excellent tolerances.

 

[jawshxpedition740]

I have had the updated prop shaft installed on my 2024 at the dealership. Same issue after about 200 miles you got to re grease it. Its annoying as hell.

 

[attakracer]

The ‘25 driveshaft is the same dimensions, just with the boot added on the slip joint. And they still haven’t fixed the tolerance issue.
The Sandcraft driveshaft, while expensive, is a very good upgrade. It lessens the shaft angles, has fully grease-able u-joints and carrier bearing, and it’s much stronger with excellent tolerances.

And also very expensive from what I've heard !!

 

[attakracer]

I have had the updated prop shaft installed on my 2024 at the dealership. Same issue after about 200 miles you got to re grease it. Its annoying as hell.

Yeah, I had a friend get the update before I did and he said after a couple hundred miles its just as bad if not worse than the stock shaft

 

[jawshxpedition740]

Yeah, I had a friend get the update before I did and he said after a couple hundred miles its just as bad if not worse than the stock shaft

same. It's frustrating.

 

[attakracer]

same. It's frustrating.

It really is !!! It can't be that difficult of a fix for gods sake ! Give it less play between the two parts !! Its not rocket science

 

[JTBarlow]

It really is !!! It can't be that difficult of a fix for gods sake ! Give it less play between the two parts !! Its not rocket science

It’s a supply chain issue. Polaris rarely audits their supply, unless they have a major issue. And then it comes down to cost vs meeting the baseline requirements. $0.50 more per part, times however many machines they make per year can add up really quickly. And corporations don’t see individual amounts, but overall costs.
While the driveline issue is annoying, it’s not a safety issue or even a short term mechanical one. There’s Xpeditions with 8000+ miles on them with the OEM shafts and diffs. So Polaris only has to

 

[attakracer]

It’s a supply chain issue. Polaris rarely audits their supply, unless they have a major issue. And then it comes down to cost vs meeting the baseline requirements. $0.50 more per part, times however many machines they make per year can add up really quickly. And corporations don’t see individual amounts, but overall costs.
While the driveline issue is annoying, it’s not a safety issue or even a short term mechanical one. There’s Xpeditions with 8000+ miles on them with the OEM shafts and diffs. So Polaris only has to

Oh yeah, I get that... just like the noise ! Adding insulation to EVERY machine is spendy !! But still, for what we pay we should get a little better !!

 

[Curly411]

Anyone have any info on the front drive shaft fix for 2024's? Anyone get it replaced? Was told today Polaris shortened the front driveshaft and added a boot. Was this already discussed and I missed it?

The drive shaft is out of phase. If you go to the parts book, you can even see it's built wrong.
Sandcraft, builds drive shafts that correct the problem. Yes, they are pricey, but they're three times stronger and cure the vibration problem. Polaris will not recognize a problem or help people with this. Let's blow this up

 

[WITodd]

Here's a little info for everyone on the driveshaft phasing. I know a Polaris engineer who was the head of his dept and worked with driveline before being let go 1.5 yrs ago. He told me that they are purposely welded like that - because of the horrible angles of the driveline. If you cut and weld the factory driveshaft to properly phase it (which is what I was in the middle of doing) it will have horrible vibration pretty much at all RPM's. Polaris came up with the "best solution" to their problem because they got it down to 5000-6000 RPM's only, by welding as we see it.
Keep in mind that the original trail riding RPM was 6800-8000 with the factory clutching. Then along comes the "cruiser clutching" (5000-6000 RPM), and the problem is suddenly noticed. Polaris is stuck because there is no way to fix it without major changes to the driveline and floor pan.
I have installed the SandCraft kit in my 2024 ADV 2 seat Northstar. It has taken away the "rattle". I have since put 200 miles on it. I ride 50/50 trail to roads. I have noticed just the slightest vibration transferred through the drive shaft from the transmission backlash when on pavement - most people would never notice it - but I do. I don't notice it on the trail or in sand.

 

[Curly411]

Here's a little info for everyone on the driveshaft phasing. I know a Polaris engineer who was the head of his dept and worked with driveline before being let go 1.5 yrs ago. He told me that they are purposely welded like that - because of the horrible angles of the driveline. If you cut and weld the factory driveshaft to properly phase it (which is what I was in the middle of doing) it will have horrible vibration pretty much at all RPM's. Polaris came up with the "best solution" to their problem because they got it down to 5000-6000 RPM's only, by welding as we see it.
Keep in mind that the original trail riding RPM was 6800-8000 with the factory clutching. Then along comes the "cruiser clutching" (5000-6000 RPM), and the problem is suddenly noticed. Polaris is stuck because there is no way to fix it without major changes to the driveline and floor pan.
I have installed the SandCraft kit in my 2024 ADV 2 seat Northstar. It has taken away the "rattle". I have since put 200 miles on it. I ride 50/50 trail to roads. I have noticed just the slightest vibration transferred through the drive shaft from the transmission backlash when on pavement - most people would never notice it - but I do. I don't notice it on the trail or in sand.

Thank you for the information, it makes more sense now, but for them, building this amount of 4 wheel drive vehicles for this long and to call this acceptable it's wrong , does this also cause premature wear in the front differential? And on or other parts. i talked with my dealer. They have one that was returned with 24 miles on it. People said it was unacceptable. Will probably purchase sandcraft.
driveshaft kit for christmass.

 

[Bugeyes]

If it doesn't affect the bearing or seal in the future I'll just turn the tunes up... I know its a problem! But, it's better than a buggy! Being enclosed in the desert going these speeds over the terrain; I love my machine. You would've spend double the cost a decent buggy with no air, heat, and would need to wear a helmet with radios.

 

[WITodd]

Thank you for the information, it makes more sense now, but for them, building this amount of 4 wheel drive vehicles for this long and to call this acceptable it's wrong , does this also cause premature wear in the front differential? And on or other parts. i talked with my dealer. They have one that was returned with 24 miles on it. People said it was unacceptable. Will probably purchase sandcraft.
driveshaft kit for christmass.

You have to remember - Polaris is all about profits.... I would say profits overtook customer satisfaction in the late 90's. When they look at a problem it involves making the decision of "will it cost more to stop production and fix it now, or fix it under warranty". 99% of the time the decision is to fix it under warranty. And if they act dumb and jerk everyone around for 6 months your machine is now out of warranty. And if your dealership won't stand up for you - then you are screwed.
But this isn't just Polaris. Cat, Yamaha, Bombardier are all the same, just to different degrees.
I live in Osceola, WI. Home of one of Polaris's engine plants. And their R&D plant in Wyoming MN is only 20 miles away. I hear all kinds of interesting stories - especially since the lay offs from 1 1/2 yrs ago.

 

[Bugeyes]

I was a direct electronic supplier to Chrysler/Dodge and worked with their Engineers. I can tell you some engineering and procurement decisions that would make your head spin. I would never buy their cars or trucks.

 

[Dusted]

I'm installing a Sandcraft drive setup, much stronger.

I also purchased the sandcraft totally satisfied , no more noise or vibration . The drive line is in a straighter position. Way better quality than OEM. 2.5 hr install great instructional video.