2012 Sportsman 400/500 and EFI Tractor Service Manual 9923412, Page 298Get this manual
FINAL DRIVE Drive Shaft and CV Joint Handling Tips
Care should be exercised during driveshaft removal or when servicing CV jointsDriveshaft components are precision partsCleanliness and following these instructions is very important to ensure proper shaft function and normal service life The complete driveshaft and joint should be handled by holding only the interconnecting shaft to avoid disassembly or potential damage to the driveshaft joints Over-angling of joints beyond their capacity could result in boot or joint damage Make sure surface-ground areas and splines of shaft are protected during handling to avoid damage Do not allow boots to come into contact with sharp edges or hot engine and exhaust components The CV interconnecting shaft should never be used as lever arm to position other suspension components Never use hammer or sharp tools to remove or to install boot clamps Be sure joints are thoroughly clean and that the proper amount and type of grease is used to refill when joint boots are replaced and when joints are cleanedRefer to text for grease capacity of CV joints and CV joint bootsNOTE: When replacing damaged boot, check the grease for contamination by rubbing it between two fingersA gritty feeling indicates contaminationIf the grease is not contaminated, the boot can be replaced without cleaning the CV jointUse the recommended amount of grease for boot replacement only (see illustration)NOTE: Use only the Constant Velocity Joint grease supplied with boot service kitIF CV JOINT WAS CLEANED, add the recommended amount of grease to the joint in addition to the grease pack supplied with boot kit3Clean the grease from the face of the joint4Place the drive shaft in soft-jawed vise