I have a 2002 Polaris 500 that I just replaced universals both sides ,new pads,bearings both sides,and ball joints both sides all at the front.I plow with it a lot.After doing all this work I used it once before to plow and the atv sat straight and level everything was fine.This time I plowed with it and noticed after I was done it was leaning over on the left side at the front the shock does not work correctly.I will still plow with it but I will not trail ride in the condition it is in right now.I don't think getting a used one would be good.I don't know what to do.Would I only need a new cartridge and if so should both sides need to be replaced?

 

Looking around the forum and looks like it's the cartridge and both sides will need to be done.I am not going to the dealer they know my home phone by heart lolol.Where is the best replacement cartridge and part#????

 

Lot of different makers for strut cartridges.Always replace in pairs. Mfg Supply has reasonable prices along with several on Ebay.100579 - Polaris ATV Front Hydraulic Shock. 1-5/8" shaft diameter. | ATV Parts | MFG Supply
Plus some of your problem may be weakened springs.This can cause the strut to not sit up correct also. Heavier springs may be an option also.

 

Is that the right one for my machine from MFG.Just click link above and order? Just making sure .I have not orderd them yet.

 

buy heavy duty springs w/ the new struts for best results.

 

If I was changing struts I'd put HD springs on it too. If you have a winch and steel bumper the HD springs really make a difference.

 

These are the front shocks and part # is 100579 - Polaris ATV 2002 500HO Front Hydraulic Shock. 1-5/8" shaft diameter. | ATV Parts | MFG Supply.

Where do I order the heavy duty springs from? I was thinking of getting a pair of 800 polaris sportsman springs it's a little cheaper and are progressive .

 

Just Google up heavy duty springs for your model. Plenty of listings come up along with a bunch on ebay.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Epi-Heavy-Duty-Suspension-Spring-Black-We321450-Polaris-Front-Springs-Standard-/261166168104?pt=Motors_ATV_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cceb77828&vxp=mtr

 

Hey late doing this . I recieved the front shock cartridges thanks for the help.Can this job be done with tie downs to crush the springs and leaving the strut attached to the machine.How does the cartridges come out ? I was having a look and I think the 2 nuts on the back of the strut have to be loose to pull the cartridge out.The cartridge was siezed but freed up those - 35C temps are hard on everything . I have the parts so I want to do the job.Its always good to ask some question before I start.

 

Yep the two nuts clamp the tube in. Pulling the front fender would help a lot for doing the job as the spring will want to shoot up. If I remember when I did mine I pulled the fender and left the a arm and axle on. Don't move the strut out, or let the a arm swing down any more than you have to, or you will be taking a cv boot off to reassemble the axle like me.

I would say get the fender out of your way and either use a ratchet, or put weight on just one side at a time to do the spring compressing (I just used the floor jack on one a-arm at a time). A little grease on the spherical pad above the shock helps keep her quite too 😉.