Cheap Arctic Cat Accessories

1999-2005 ARCTIC CAT 250 2X4 Rear Inboard Boot Kit

 

2008-2010 ARCTIC CAT 1000 4x4 Left Front Complete Axle

 1999-2000 ARCTIC CAT 250 2X4 Rear Outboard CV Joint

 

1999-2000 ARCTIC CAT 250 2X4 Rear Inboard CV Joint Rebuild Kit

 

1999-2000 ARCTIC CAT 250 2X4 Rear Half-Shaft

2006-2008 ARCTIC CAT 250 2X4 U-Joint

All You Need To Know About Axle

Alot of people love ATVs because they are fun to ride. However, very few users actually know the inside of this incredibly powerful and sophisticated piece of machinery. An ATV is no different than a standard vehicle in many ways. The body mechanics and design are the same and the ATV follows the same mechanical principles as that of an automobile.

One of the most important parts of an ATV is the Axle. This article will focus on the  axle for different models as they are very popular among riders. It will shed light on what an axle entails, how it is installed and what signs one should look out for in order to prevent the axle from completely breaking.


The Axle is a sturdy heavy duty half shaft axle designed for smooth maneuverability on rough terrains. It is made to withstand the vigorous use of driving an ATV. A standard axle comes with the following:

• The axle bar
• A fully assembled Polaris CV Joint Ranger Sportsman Scrambler 500
• Heavy duty CV Boot
• Inner heavy duty puncture resistant boot kit

Installing an Axle :

Because ATVs are generally used aggressively, a broken or faulty axle is somewhat common. The good news is that it can be replaced, however it does requires a combination of skill and strength. The following steps will outline the steps involved in the installation of a Axle.

• Removing the Tire – The axle is behind the tires. It has to be removed first.
• Removing the Caliper – Removing the tires exposes the brake caliper. It needs to be removed as well.
• Removing the Hub Nut – The hub nut is the last piece before the quad axle is fully revealed. It requires a lot of brute strength to loosen up the hub nut. Caution must be taken.
• Removal of the axle – Remove the old and install the new quad axle and follow the same steps in reverse.

Signs of a Faulty Axle

It is only natural for the axle to experience wear and tear with use and chances are it will get broken or damaged over the course of time. A damaged axle will indicate symptoms that if noticed in time can save the axle from being completely broken. These signs are as follows:

• Wobbling tires during acceleration
• Clicking or popping noise while turning the ATV
• Knocking sound while accelerating the ATV

ATV users should exercise caution and perform regular checkups on their ATV in order to keep it in top notch condition. Doing so can save them money and hassle in the long run.

CV Axle Replacement and Halfshaft Removal - Replace the CV Or the Entire Half Shaft?

Cheap CV Axles Shaft

Changing C.V. (Constant Velocity) axles today is almost as common as doing brake jobs. But some CV axles can be pretty stubborn to remove. In this article learn some of the tricks I've used over the years as a Master Tech to make changing CVs and 1/2 shafts easier. Automotive specialty tools are sometimes needed to make the job easier, I'll discuss some of those and if it is better to replace the entire half shaft, the joint or just the CV boot.

Clicking On Turns

Since you're reading this you may already know that a common sign of a bad CV joint is popping and clicking on turns. A shudder on straight take offs could be a worn inner joint, but this is much less common. Outer joints have the most movement (like on turns), that's why outer boots usually wear more than the inner ones. CV boots are designed to pump grease throughout the joint during movement. Wear that causes outer joints to make noise can be accelerated if the CV boot breaks from dry rot or wear and the lubricating grease is lost. If the CV boot breaks, grease is thrown out of the joint by centrifugal force while driving. Without grease to keep the joint lubricated and cooler, its life is drastically reduced. Also outside elements like moisture and dirt can enter the joint,  further reducing its life expectancy. Once they wear, they make a clicking noise upon turns while accelerating. If they are noisy, the 1/2 shaft assembly may be the easiest way to go instead of replacing just the joint. CV 1/2 shaft prices have came down in the last decade and are more readily available than they used to be.

Removing the Half Shaft Assembly

The job of removing half shafts on most cars is mostly the same.

1. Remove the big nut that holds the joint to the wheel hub.
2. It may be necessary to unbolt or un-clip the brake hose to prevent stretching it when removing the axle.
3. The steering knuckle (where the brake rotor mounts), must either be loosened at the strut mount or at the lower ball joint to allow the shaft to slip out of the hub. Choose the easiest!
4. The inner CV will either be held into the transmission by bolts or with a retaining clip (the clip is not visible).
5. If there are no bolts on the inner joint, in most cases it will need to be pried out with a pry bar.
6. Alternatively a slide hammer with a C.V. joint puller can be used to remove the inner joint from the transmission. 

Inspecting and Replacing Boots

You may be able to detect and replace worn boots before damage is done to the C.V. joint. If the boot has dry rot and is about to crack or has just recently split . And the CV joint doesn't make any noises yet, it has been caught it in time. The CV half shaft assembly can be removed and just the boot can be replaced with new grease of course. The CV boot kit also comes with two clamps and special grease. It is less expensive to re-boot a joint, but it is a little more labor intensive. On cars that I was familiar with, many times I changed the CV boot without taking the shaft completely out of the car. Usually though, the shaft is removed and placed in a vise to be worked on. The old boot is cut away to help reveal what type of retaining clip is holding the joint onto the 1/2 shaft.

When a cleaner is used, like brake clean and the joint is angled it's easier to see the clip. The joint may need to be turned while kept on an angle to see the clip. Most either require lock ring pliers to spread the lock ring or the joint can be struck sharply with a hammer (care must be taken not to damage the cage). If you have doubt on what type of retainer you are working with, consult a service manual for your specific model. Be aware that the ball bearings can fall out when the joint is off the shaft and the cage is turned sideways depending on the type it is. After cleaning and drying with compressed air, the grease bag can be cut on the corner and the grease is squeezed into the center of the joint. It's common to force out some of the old grease that was trapped while doing this. Scoop up and discard the old grease that may ooze out. Put the boot and joint back on the shaft by spreading the clip or tapping lightly with a brass hammer. Special CV joint boot clamp tools will be needed to tighten the bands properly. There are two basic types of clamps. There is a type that will be crimped with boot clamp pliers. The other type requires a banding tool, this type is wound and cranked tight using the same motion as you would with a can opener.

A common mistake is damaging the output seal in the transmission when removing or re-installing the axle. If the seal is damaged, transmission fluid will leak. Be careful to center the inner joint when putting it back in. Also a mistake that is made even by professionals is to either break the cir-clip that holds the axle in the transmission or to not install the axle completely IN. It is normal to feel a little movement in and out when pushing and pulling the inner joint when it is properly installed. If the retaining clip is broken or not fully inserted, the shaft can slip out enough that the car will not move! Also if tapping the shaft back into the transmission, be careful not to damage the outer threads. Remember if this is your first axle job, don't hesitate to have a buddy with experience on call!

Double Offset Joint | Cheap CV Axles Shaft | ATV CV Boots Joints | Arctic Cat Prowler

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1947724

Tips For Buying a Used ATV

ATV CV Boots Joints

Whether you're buying your first atv or just adding another one for the Wife or kids, buying a used atv can make a lot of sense, especially when compared to the price of a new one. Here are 13 tips to use when evaluating a used atv. Used atvs can be a great bargain, but beware. Some owners are just looking to get rid of a lemon or a atv that will be needed major repairs.
Follow these tips to make sure you're not the one who gets saddled with it!

Check out the tires. Are they worn out? Have the been patched or plugged numerous times?These could be indications of rough use or abuse.

Always take a friend with you when going to look at an used atv. Raise the ATV up if possible to check the underside. Make sure to look at all the shock points and check for any rust or damaged areas. This includes cracks in the frame. Look for signs of fresh paint.This may mean a recent repair.

If you're buying a used 4x4 atv, check out the ATV cv joint boots. If they are cracked, this can allow water to get inside. This will cause rust and lead to major damage, which leads to major repair cost!

While you down there, check the oil in both differentials. Does it look milky or chocolate colored? This is a sign of water. You can also use this rule of thumb for the engine oil.
Be sure to look at the sprocket or sprockets. If the sprockets are worn on one side or bent, it's likely time for a new chain and sprocket.

Support the front end with jack stands. Then try to move each front wheel in and out from top to bottom and side to side to check for worn wheel bearings and ball joints. Do the same for the rear.

To check for worn tie rod ends, try and move the handle bars back and forth. There should be little to no play.

Don't forget to remove the seat and check the air box for dirt and water. This is often overlooked and can be a sign of abuse or lack of maintenance should you find a dirty one.
Use a flashlight to inspect the inside of the gas tank. If there is rust, it could indicate costly engine repairs. And yes, gas tanks rust. By the way, don't be stupid and use an open flame to try and see into the gas tank. I heard of one story where this happened with bad results!
Turn the lights on/off and make sure all work.

Take the atv for a spin. Does the atv start right up or is it sluggish? Try a few hard stops. Do the brakes function properly? Does it handle well? Look and listen for anything out of place.
Does the exhaust have the spark arrestor in place? Many owners remove these. However, National Forest and other public trails require spark arrestor's to be in place. Owners without them can be fined and prevented from riding in these places.

What about the body? Is there any damage? Cracked or otherwise damaged body parts will need replacing.

These simple tips will go a long ways in making sure your used ATV CV Boots Joints will give you many good rides and prevent those unexpected repair bills.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1558597

2011 Arctic Cat Prowler HDX 700

The new side by side ATV models are mountain biking to the next level. Originally conceived in Japan as a commercial vehicle, which was first marketed in the United States as a recreational vehicle. Well, times are changing.

Arctic Cat Prowler HDX 700 mm, set in addition to competition, the load capacity is a massive £ 1500. Oversized 85-inch step also allows for a 2-in-1 box that can hold 1000 pounds, has a number of tie-down anchors and is large enough to hold a wooden pallet. Then, to make it even more versatile, the designers made to remove the sides of the box, create a flat surface items more difficult.

This side by side you can also carry three adults in the cockpit with a seat carved 40/20/40. Part of the reason for this is that the shifter is moved into the dashboard, making it easy to accommodate an additional person. A digital gauge package is also an added and most welcome addition, with the new Office of Electronic variable power (EPS). According to experts, the EPS reduces energy input of the driver when in 4WD. It also reduces the amount of torque required for rotation through the obstacles on a track or maneuvering a cargo box.

The 695cc, injection, single cylinder, 4-valve engine provides sufficient power while maintaining fuel economy. It is expected that this version utility will greatly reduce the dependence of the farmer or breeder of the "farm truck" to navigate or snowy meadows or hay for livestock transport. It even comes equipped with a team of two-inch front and rear and can make an amazing 2000-lb.

HDX 700 is a Fox Float Air Assist attacks increased load capacity, even considering the load requirements for ATVs can be adjusted simply by adding air to the FLOAT air chamber. 10 - inches of suspension travel, and the same amount of ground clearance for driving less jarring, and the ability to navigate rough terrain than in the past.

The HDX 700 is available in two color choices: Metallic Tungsten, which is very fine, and Advantage Timber Camo.

Author Bio: Kelvin Roger is an expert analyst of modern Automotive. He works in the industry for more then 10 years and currently writing articles and blogs on Massage Therapy New Jersey and CV Axle Shaft

Line Up With 2011 Arctic Cat Prowler

Got a need for a specialized ATV or UTV and CV Axle Shaft Arctic Cat is trying to fill it with its dynamic 2011 model lineup that was unveiled at its hometown 2011 dealer meeting in Thief River Falls, Minn., in early June.

The company has several new models featuring more power, and some featuring less power.

Most of its machines ride a little bit lower for 2011, though one purpose-built mud machine rides a lot higher.

Cat engineers built more machines for two-passenger riding, and at the same time expanded options for younger riders. They rolled out a new Prowler UTV that's going to bring sheer joy to performance junkies, and another new working-class Prowler that screams "utility."

Cat's got a new engine of its own, a 545cc liquid single, that is found in an H1 model, a 2-up TRV and a Prowler, and expanded the Thundercat engine. It also introduced new 150- and 300-class engines shared with KYMCO that are placed in a machine aimed at a new "transitional" market and a new sport quad, respectively.

All totaled, Arctic Cat Prowler eliminated 9 machines for 2011, including the 700 Diesel, 400 4x4, two DVX models (400 & 250) and two TRVs (650 & 500), while creating 13 new models. New machines include:

o Two new Prowlers, headlined by the Prowler XTZ 1000, featuring the 951cc liquid-cooled twin introduced in last year's Thundercat, plus a Prowler 550 flatbed, featuring the new 545cc single and a flatbed rear.

o Three new TRV (Two Rider Vehicle) models, including a full-featured TRV 1000 Cruiser, plus a TRV 550 and TRV 400.

o An exciting, custom-made-for-mudding 700 MudPro, featuring huge tires, a snorkel and 14 inches of ground clearance.

o The scaled down Arctic Cat 150 - the first in an emerging class of quads aimed at teenagers 14 years and older.

o Three sporty new DVX models, including a DVX 300, plus new kids DVX 90 and 50 models.

o Two other new kids quads, 50cc and 90cc utility machines.

Plus, all full-sized Cats except the MudPro get new ergos and ride height this year, taking advantage of the suspension sit-in and lower seat that made the Thundercat ergos so popular in its debut last year. So sit down, Barack, because Arctic Cat appears to have cornered the market on change.

Not For Mr. Lonely

In these tough times in the ATV market, only one segment is experiencing growth: multi-passenger vehicles. Whether the seating is front-and-back or side-by-side, ATVs and UTVs that allow drivers to share the experience with a passenger are hot, and Arctic Cat is aiming to capitalize.

For traditional ATV riders, Cat is expanding its TRV Cruiser line while tweaking the engine options on the standard TRVs.

"We're one of only three manufacturers offering 2-ups, and now we're offering the best of the best," explained Ole Tweet, general manager of Cat's ATV division and VP of new product development.

There are two Cruiser models - a TRV 1000 H2 EFI Cruiser featuring the Thundercat's big 90-degree twin, and the TRV 700 H1 EFI Cruiser featuring Cat's 700-class fuel injected single - and both are glorious. They have a long list of standard features that includes a tall windshield connected to a new 2-piece fairing; mirrors; a cup holder; a comfortable 2-up seat with heated hand grips and a comfy backrest for the passenger; heated handlebars; a huge, lockable touring/storage case in back; and classy looking, 12-inch machined aluminum wheels. The 700 even comes standard with a winch.

We only had a brief chance to ride the Cruisers on a small test track set up for the demos, so our evaluation is far from complete. But, from what we saw, our now one-issue-old 2008 ATV Of The Year - the Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI Touring - already has stiff competition.

The other two 2-up ATVs are the TRV 550, featuring Cat's new engine, and a TRV 400, featuring a 366 air-cooled single. On the new 550, Cat is claiming the top horsepower in its class, though they were unaware of the new Yamaha and Polaris mills being released when they made that claim. We'll be sure to run them off and name a winner for you. The standard TRVs don't have quite as long of a list of standard features as the Cruisers, but still make nice 2-up buggies, thanks to an expanded wheelbase and a nice seating setup.

On The Prowl

Like the TRVs, the side-by-side Prowler UTVs benefit from two of Cat's newest powerplants - the 1000 and the 550.

The Prowler XTZ 1000 truly delivers ecstasy when you plant the gas pedal to the floor - it accelerates harder than any UTV on the market, bar none.

Driving over consecutive bumps, we were able to get this big dog to wheelie, but that's not to say that it's unstable.

Cat engineers redesigned the suspension systems on the Prowler 1000, lowering the ride height. With it, ground clearance dropped from 12.5 inches to a still respectable 10 inches, but it also stabilized the machine. Dual A-arm front and rear suspensions each offer 10 inches of travel.

As fun as the XTZ is to drive, it's also easy on the eyes. It gets "sunset orange" paint with flame graphics. A hood scoop in front is all aesthetic - it connects to nothing - but it creates a real boss look. Foot rails, box rails, a custom-looking steering wheel, high-end shocks and a wide rear-view mirror all come standard.

The popular Prowler XTX 700 H1 EFI and Prowler XT 600 HI return largely unchanged. Features like aluminum wheels, tilt steering and a turf-saver setting come on the 700, and both have 12.5 inches of ground clearance and 10 inches of travel.

New for 2011 is a Prowler 550 H1 EFI Flatbed. As the name implies, it gets the new 550-class single from Cat, plus a flatbed in the back instead of a box. It was described by Cat officials as the work/utility-oriented "price buster" in the Prowler lineup.

Custom Build For Muddy Bob

Literally moments after the first wave of dealers saw the new 700 H1 EFI MudPro, message boards on mudder sites were going wild with buzz over the most ready-for-action mud machine ever built by any manufacturer.

The MudPro is far more than a name and cool graphics. It's got multiple features that make it ready for the soupiest, sloppiest sink holes around. Starting from the ground up, it rides on giant, 28-inch High Lifter Outlaw MST tires mounted on 12-inch machined aluminum wheels. They attach to a raked suspension that features 14 inches of ground clearance.

Most notable at a glance, however, is a high-water snorkel that sucks in air higher than the handlebars. It also comes standard with front and rear bumpers, wide fenders and a 3000-pound winch "for pulling the other guys out," a Cat official quipped.

The clutching and 4.0 gearing on the machine are specifically set up for mudding, Cat officials said. We didn't get a chance to go bogging on it yet, but even taking it for a test drive on the small dealer demo course, the MudPro felt very tall, strong and competition-ready.

A New Class For Emerging Riders

Cat's other class-breaker is the all-new 150 2x4. For years, riders and some factory officials have complained that there aren't any machines for teenagers who are too big for a 90 but not old enough for a full-sized utility quad - in fact, all factory warning stickers tell owners that their full-sized quads are for ages 16 and up only. But sticking a 180-pound 15-year-old on a 90 is ridiculous.

Finally, after the manufacturers worked with the Specialty Vehicle Industry Association, a class was created for these "tweeners" or, as Cat called them, "transitional riders." The first model released for them is Cat's 150.

It features a smallish chassis, smaller than the 200s and 250s on the market, yet notably larger than the 90s. Its 149cc KYMCO-built engine is twice-governed through the CVT transmission. In stock form, it'll top out at about 20 mph. Remove one spacer, and it'll reach up to 30 mph. Remove both spacers, and the climbing belt will allow the machine to max out at 38 mph.

The machine comes with twin headlights and taillights, digital instrumentation and forward and reverse gears, and it weighs in at a claimed 334 pounds.

The 150 is fun. We took it for about 15 laps around the demo course and didn't want to get off - it's like a mid-sized go-cart. We tortured it over bumps and jumps and rollers, and it kept asking for more, and we could envision our own kids transitioning from their little quads to this machine in the future.

What Else Is New?

The DVX lineup changed significantly. Cat officials dumped both the Suzuki-based DVX 400 and the KYMCO-based DVX 250 and settled on a DVX 300. It's closer in substance to the 250, featuring a dual overhead cam 270cc that's got the same bore as last year's 250, but with a longer stroke and two additional valves (now 4).

At 44.7 inches, it's 3 inches wider than last year's 250 but an inch narrower than the 400. A dual A-arm front suspension and swingarm in the rear handle the moguls, with new shock calibrations and adjustable preload up front. Power is put through a CVT tranny.

Like the 150 2x4, it feels like a transitional model more than anything. It won't be confused with a race quad, but it's fun and sporty nonetheless. Cat also expanded its kids quad lineup. The 90cc sport and utility machines are governed through the CVT to allow them to be certified for a Y10 category (ages 10 and older), with two settings - 15 mph and 30 mph. That eliminated the need for a 70, so Cat launched utility and sport quads. The 90s feature reverse gear - a rare feature for kids quads.

Author Bio: Kelvin Roger is an expert analyst of modern Automotive. He works in the industry for more then 10 years and currently writing articles and blogs on Automotive, real estate and  Massage Therapy New Jersey help and success.