New owner questions

[IHMike]

Just bought a 2011 500 Ranger. I have a couple of questions for you more experienced owners. When going down hill or just letting off the gas and slowing in HI I get a squeeling/chirping noise and vehicle goes into what seems to be neutral. This noise is loud and seems to be coming from the rear of the vehicle. Another thing that I noticed is the toe-in. With the steering wheel straight both wheel are pointing outward. I measured front/back and it's almost 2 in. difference. Is this correct? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[Glynn]

Just bought a 2011 500 Ranger. I have a couple of questions for you more experienced owners. When going down hill or just letting off the gas and slowing in HI I get a squeeling/chirping noise and vehicle goes into what seems to be neutral. This noise is loud and seems to be coming from the rear of the vehicle. Another thing that I noticed is the toe-in. With the steering wheel straight both wheel are pointing outward. I measured front/back and it's almost 2 in. difference. Is this correct? Any help will be greatly appreciated.


There sould not be 2 inches difference in the front and back. Look under the "Modified Tech Discussion". Another forum member posted how to make this adjustment. If you just purchased this machine and it is still under waranty, I would take it back to the dealer and request them to make the adjustment. I Hope this helps.

[IHMike]

I checked out that tie-rod adjustment. Good job pictures and all. I believe I can handle that job even it should be the Dealer's responsibility. Anyone know anything about the noise I'm getting from the clutch??

[utvracr]

The noise sounds to me like the clutch is disengaging and going into free wheel.. These machines do not have engine braking and as such the clutch will release if the engine RPM's get too low. (IE: stopping or going down hill with no power). Polaris offered an engine braking kit in the past but they no longer offer it nor do they recommend you install one. ( I think they have fears about the belt life with the heavier machines). There are sponsors on this forum that offer kits. Your choice.. When I am going down a steep hill in low I try to keep the RPM's up a little to get the engine braking but as speed increases I have to let off and then free wheel which means getting on the brakes.

[LT1Shark]

My new 500 EFI makes the same noise when slowing down. I am concerned about it also.

[kodiak73]

I wouldn't worry about it. utvracr has it correct. The noise is the same on a snowmobile and is just the primary and secondary clutches cycling back to disengage.

[IHMike]

I know have 650 miles and 77 hours. Still squeeling but no problems from it. I do have a problem with getting into the diagnostic screen on the speedo. The way the manual says does not work. My screen is showing a wrench symbol for a service that I would like to get rid of. Anyone know of any tricks to get to screen?

[thrill92]

My new 500 Ranger makes the same noises on deceleration. I have a call into the dealer but mechanic is out until tomorrow. Have you all found that this is normal or do we have a problem? Thanks

[grouseridge]

Originally Posted by thrill92

My new 500 Ranger makes the same noises on deceleration. I have a call into the dealer but mechanic is out until tomorrow. Have you all found that this is normal or do we have a problem? Thanks

This is a normal condition for the Polaris. The clutch is like a Yamaha golf cart and free wheels with out power. This is what my Polaris dealer told me.

[Russ Chastain]

Yes, that's right. I've found that, in order to have engine braking when going downhill, put it in low gear and keep giving it just a smidge of gas. That keeps from having to rely entirely on the brakes while it free-wheels.