ATV AnswerMan: ATV and Side-by-Side Q&A

This month our ATV expert deals with a pair of clutching issues, two ATVs with potential blown fuses, some troubling looking motor oil, and a host of other questions about troublesome ATVs and UTVs from our readers.

Rhino Repair
Just replaced the axle and ball joints and bearings on the front both sides of my Rhino 660 but noticed that the driver side is harder to turn not as smooth as the passenger side. Before I put it all back. Together I wanted to find out if this is normal or should I be checking for something else?

Thanks for any help you can provide.
Al

Congratulations on the repairs and I hope it did not stress you out too much. I would say I’d have to see exactly what you have done to determine what the issue is. If you used the correct length axle then you should not have any issues. Be sure the brakes are not partially engaged, causing the left front to stick a little. Both sides should spin smoothly; especially with all those new parts.

Wheels Not Spinning Freely
I have a 2003 Polaris Sportsman 700 Twin.  If I jack the front end and spin the wheels, they do not spin freely.  Sounds like they’re dragging, the right side squeaks and the drag to a stop.
 
Any ideas?
 
Thanks,
Jeff

I have plenty of ideas, my friend. There are several things that could be causing this issue. I would look at the brake discs to see if maybe they have been bent and are not spinning straight. They shouldn’t wobble at all side to side when spinning the wheel and if they do they could be scrubbing against the brake pads, causing your problems. Next I would consider the hub/strut bearings in the strut itself. There are two of these and they can go bad over time and cause the same issues. Good Luck.

Editor’s Note: The ATV AnswerMan Q&A has found a new home on our sister site ATV.com. Check out the rest of this month’s column here.