TODAYS LESSON .... Maintenance ...

     My customer called me and said his grand-kids' POLARIS Sportsman 90 had a problem with the rear brakes not working. Upon drop off the Sportsman had been a victim of zealous kids riding in the edge of the surf at the Oregon dunes... Last fall. This summer the brakes don't work.
     Upon tear-down I found the rear drum seized to the axle with rust and the entire rear brake system seized from saltwater. After several attempts to free the brake drum it did, Break that is, I ended up cutting the brake drum hub off the axle. Fortunately for the customer I was able to save the axle and brake shoes and springs. When talking to my friend from POLARIS (while ordering a new drum $90), I learned that POLARIS didn't use anti-seized on any of the mini rear axle parts.
     So ... I would recommend that those of you that have any mini or drum brake ATV pull the drum today, and after every couple rides, clean and lube the axle shaft, as well as, any friction spot on the brakes, and the slider surfaces of the shoes. We use a lube that is specifically designed for drum brakes, and works great.
     This is a quick job that can save a lot of time and money, and, You wont have to hear the kids, day after day ask, "When is the quad going to be done ? and why is it taking so long ?"