2010 xp rear gearcase pops

[cutter1]

I have a 2010 Ranger xp, had it about 6 months. about a week ago i noticed a pretty loud pooping noise from the rear gearcase. it kinda sounds like a ujoint going bad but the noise is coming from the rear gearcase. It only does it when you start moving from a dead stop, it doesnt vibrate at higher speeds,its just when you first take off. I checked the fluid it is full, and i used the polaris gearcase oil. Ive pulled both rear axles, they feel fine,you can see the axles move slightly up and down in the houseing. It sounds like there is alot of slop in the case. Took it to the dealer, and of course they said nothing is wrong, the warranty runs out in a couple of weeks, they are trying to sell me an extended warranty. Just wondering if anyone else has had the same or similar problems,any help would be greatly appreaciated. Im just trying to not get screwed by the dealer!! Thank You

[nvwolfer]

I have a 2010 also and it does the same thing. Not everytime I take off though, just once in a while. Most times when I first start it up and take off it will make the clunking noise. Like you wrote it sounds like a u-joint clunking.

[robg]

A wonderful Polaris trait, my Ranger and sportsman both make the same noise.

[Z71]

If you want to try another gear lube in the main Gearcase (trans/rear axle), I would recommend the AMSOIL Series 2000 Chaincase Oil. Comes in 12-oz bottles and you would need 3 as my info shows a 34-oz capacity. Is suitable to use in place of the Polaris AGL Synthetic Gearcase Lube, many are using it.

Caution-Some prior models with separate trans and rear axle use Angle drive fluid and would use a 75W-90 synthetic gear lube.

Series 2000 Chaincase Lube. for more information or to order

PS - Its a SAE 80W gear lube

[tnt ranger]

I purchased a 2010 in mid febuary, it popped from the minute I unloaded it at home. I kept complaining to the dealer, there mechanic told me noise was normal. I told him to drive it somemore around the parking lot. It finally popped a loud one for them. it was there two weeks with me complaining daily. They kept saving noise is normal, horse shit if that loud popping is right. They finally drained the oil and guess what alot of metal shavings, it only had six hours on it. They replaced the main drive chain plus gears and tensioner. They say it appeared that the tensioner was letting to much slack stay in the chain. allowing the chain to jump teeth. It still pops but not as often at 60 hours now. I checked the oil and it has shavings again. I think the teeth on the tensioner are to course allowing to much slack before it ratchets tighter. I bought extended warranty but polaris needs to come up with a cure. I have been looking at ranger forums to find someone else hearing the noise, I knew it couldnt just be mine.

[Figgen]

This is a good thread to keep track of the noise.

I took my new 2009 700 XP out for the first time this weekend and when driving - Nothing adventurous, just around the acreage - I too head the rear gear case noise. My wife was riding with me and she could hear it as well and like others have stated it sounds like a U-joint going bad. I thought it might be the rear locker acting up and was contemplating taking it to the dealer. Current mileage = 3 miles >

[Z71]

The engaging and disengaging of the teeth on automatic locking differentials often causes a banging and clunking sound. Limited-slip differentials make use of friction between clutch plates, as opposed to the meshing teeth employed by locking differentials. Limited-slip differentials are generally smoother and quieter than locking differentials, but still sometimes "chatter" when transferring torque to the wheel with traction.

Now I cannot guarantee you that is what you are experiencing, but you might change the lube to some other brand that says on the bottle, suitable for use in limited slip differential. Sometime its simple things that work.

[tnt ranger]

My 2010 has an electric rear axle lock switch it pops in the unlock locked and or four wheel drive postion. you can actually feel all the extra slack in the drive chain at times. I could see if it made popping noises when turning it could be in the differential. mine only pops when going from forward to reverse or taking off after setting for awhile.

[DCC]

Just took my 2010 ranger xp in for the same problem! only 23 hours on it, bought it Feb 16. If you go in Reverse then stop and go forward the loud clunking noise will make you sick. Took it back to the dealer and just as i suspected they said they couldnt duplicate the noise, i even took this remark section from the forum describing almost word for word what i am hearing as well as other ranger owners. I know the noise is coming from the rear gearcase and if i can not find a way to take care of this problem i am going to get rid of it. Also the noise is most evident when you let it set over night then fire it up the next day. Does anyone have any suggestions.

[800crew]

I have a 2010 800 crew w/ 45 hrs. I have noticed the same noise from 1st day, I just thought it was the clutches engaging. I have noticed that it does not make the noise when taking off in high only low & reverse. If I ease into the throttle it will not make the noise, but when I asked my dealer about it he said it was better for the clutches to just give the gas & go. I guess I should have got the extended warranty.