Hear that squeak? Feel that little bit of binding in the steering after a long, muddy weekend? We’ve all been there. Your Polaris General is a tough machine, but it talks to you. Those little noises are its way of telling you it’s thirsty for some fresh grease.
You probably agree that ignoring basic maintenance is the fastest way to a busted part and a ruined ride. That’s why we’re here to promise you a solution. This isn’t just another checklist; it’s your complete map to all the essential polaris general grease fittings locations.
In this guide, we’ll preview exactly where to find every zerk, the right tools for the job, and the pro techniques to ensure your rig stays smooth, quiet, and reliable on the trail. Let’s get those squeaks silenced for good.
Why Greasing Your General is Non-Negotiable
Think of grease as the lifeblood for your suspension and driveline components. It’s not just a lubricant; it’s a protective barrier that performs several critical jobs. Understanding the benefits of polaris general grease fittings locations being properly serviced is key to long-term ownership.
First and foremost, grease reduces friction. Metal-on-metal or bushing-on-sleeve contact creates heat and wears down parts at an incredible rate. A thin film of high-quality grease keeps components like A-arm bushings, ball joints, and u-joints moving freely, dramatically extending their service life.
Second, it’s a defense mechanism. When you pump fresh grease into a fitting, you’re not just topping it off. You are actively pushing out the old, contaminated grease, and with it, all the water, mud, sand, and grit that worked its way in during your last adventure. This “purging” action is vital for preventing rust and abrasive wear from the inside out.
The Essential Toolkit for a Pro-Level Grease Job
Showing up to the job with the right tools makes all the difference. You don’t need a full professional shop, but a few key items will make this maintenance task faster, cleaner, and more effective. This is your essential polaris general grease fittings locations care guide toolkit.
Choosing the Right Grease Gun
Your primary tool is the grease gun. A pistol-grip grease gun is fantastic for one-handed operation in tight spots. Look for one with a long, flexible hose, which is a lifesaver for reaching those awkwardly placed zerks on the prop shaft or inner A-arms.
Selecting the Perfect Grease
Not all grease is created equal. For a UTV that sees water, mud, and dust, you need a high-quality, waterproof marine-grade grease. Look for a product rated “NLGI #2,” which is the standard consistency for this application. A good lithium complex or synthetic grease will provide excellent protection.
Shop Rags and Cleaners
This job can get messy. Keep a roll of heavy-duty shop towels and a can of brake cleaner handy. Cleaning the zerk before you attach the grease gun is one of the most important steps to prevent injecting dirt directly into your components.
Your Complete Polaris General Grease Fittings Locations Guide
Alright, let’s get down to business. The number of fittings can vary slightly by model year and sub-model (e.g., 2-seater vs. 4-seater), but this guide covers the universal spots you need to hit. For this task, it helps to have the machine on level ground, and for some spots, jacking it up and removing the wheels provides much better access. Always use jack stands for safety!
Front Suspension Zerks (Per Side)
- Upper A-Arm (2 fittings): You’ll find one zerk on the inboard pivot point where the A-arm mounts to the frame, and another on the outboard side for the upper ball joint.
- Lower A-Arm (2 fittings): Similar to the top, there is one zerk at the inboard frame mount and one for the lower ball joint.
- Tie Rod End (1 fitting): Follow the steering tie rod out to the wheel hub. There is a zerk on the tie rod end that needs attention.
That’s a total of five grease points per side on the front suspension, for a grand total of ten up front.
Rear Suspension Zerks (Per Side)
- Upper and Lower A-Arms (4 fittings): Just like the front, each rear A-arm has an inboard and outboard pivot point that requires grease. On some models, these are bushings that may not have zerks, but always check.
- Rear Hub / Bearing Carrier (1-2 fittings): Look at the bearing carrier where the suspension arms connect. You’ll typically find one or two fittings here that lubricate the pivot bushings.
The rear can have between four to six fittings per side, depending on your specific General model.
Driveline & Prop Shaft Zerks
These are the most commonly missed and arguably some of the most critical. You’ll need to slide under your machine to find these.
- Front Prop Shaft U-Joint (1 fitting): Look at the U-joint on the propeller shaft coming out of the front differential. The zerk is on the body of the cross-section.
- Rear Prop Shaft U-Joint (1 fitting): Follow that same shaft back towards the transmission. The rear U-joint has an identical fitting.
- Prop Shaft Carrier Bearing (1 fitting): On 4-seat models, the longer prop shaft is supported in the middle by a carrier bearing. This bearing has a grease zerk that is absolutely critical to service. It’s often tucked up high, so a flexible grease gun hose is a must.
How to Grease Your Polaris General Like a Pro: Best Practices
Knowing how to polaris general grease fittings locations should be serviced is just as important as finding them. Follow these steps for a perfect, no-mess job every time. These are the polaris general grease fittings locations best practices straight from the FatBoysOffroad garage.
Step 1: Clean the Zerk First!
Take a clean rag and wipe all the mud, dust, and old grease off the zerk fitting. A quick shot of brake cleaner can help. Pushing dirt into your joint is the last thing you want to do.
Step 2: The Right Technique
Firmly press the coupler of your grease gun onto the zerk. It should “snap” into place. Slowly pump the handle. The goal is to pump until you either see clean, fresh grease begin to “purge” from the seals of the joint, or you feel firm resistance.
Step 3: What Does ‘Purging’ Mean?
For components with rubber boots (like ball joints or tie rod ends), pump slowly and watch the boot. You want to add just enough grease to make the boot swell slightly, like a small balloon. If you see old, dirty grease seeping out from the seal, that’s perfect. Stop there. For A-arm bushings, you’ll see the old grease push out from the sides of the bushings.
Step 4: Clean Up and Inspect
Once you’re done, use your rag to wipe off any excess grease from the zerk and the surrounding area. This prevents it from attracting dirt. This is also a great time to visually inspect the component for any torn boots, excessive play, or other signs of wear.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting Your Grease Fittings
Even a simple job can have its hiccups. Here’s how to handle some common problems with polaris general grease fittings locations and their maintenance.
The Zerk That Won’t Take Grease
If you pump and pump but nothing goes in, the fitting is likely clogged with hardened old grease or dirt. You can try pressing a small pick or nail into the ball bearing of the zerk to free it up. If that fails, it’s easiest to simply replace the zerk. They are inexpensive and unscrew with a small wrench.
Broken or Missing Grease Fittings
It’s common for a rock or branch to shear off a grease fitting. If one is missing, it’s an open invitation for water and grit. Get it replaced immediately. You can buy assortment kits of metric and SAE zerk fittings to have on hand.
Over-Greasing: Is It Possible?
Yes, especially on sealed joints with rubber boots. Pumping too much grease too fast can rupture the rubber seal. Once that seal is torn, it can no longer keep contaminants out. A slow, steady hand is the key—add grease until the boot is plump, not about to burst.
Sustainable Maintenance: An Eco-Friendly Approach to Greasing
Being an off-roader means respecting the trails and the environment we love to play in. You can apply that mindset to your garage maintenance with a few simple steps for sustainable polaris general grease fittings locations care.
Consider using a high-quality, biodegradable grease. These modern formulas offer excellent protection for your machine while having a much lower impact on the environment if any excess drips onto the trail or your garage floor.
Furthermore, an eco-friendly polaris general grease fittings locations approach means managing your waste. Don’t just toss greasy rags or empty grease cartridges in the trash. Collect them in a designated container and take them to your local auto parts store or municipal waste facility that accepts used oil and automotive waste for proper disposal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Polaris General Grease Fittings
How often should I grease my Polaris General?
The owner’s manual provides a baseline, but the real answer is: it depends on your riding conditions. A good rule of thumb is to grease every 25-50 hours of ride time. However, if you’ve been through deep water or thick mud, it’s highly recommended to grease all fittings immediately after the ride and wash-down.
Can I use any type of grease?
No. Using a high-quality, NLGI #2 waterproof marine-grade grease is crucial. It’s designed to resist being washed out by water and provides superior protection in the harsh environments a General operates in.
What if I can’t find a grease fitting where there should be one?
First, double-check that your model year is supposed to have one in that location. Sometimes manufacturers switch to “sealed for life” or non-serviceable joints. If it’s supposed to be there but is missing, it may have broken off and needs to be replaced immediately.
My General is brand new, do I still need to grease it?
Absolutely, yes! Factory grease levels can be notoriously inconsistent. It’s one of the best polaris general grease fittings locations tips we can give: grease your new machine as part of your pre-ride inspection before you even hit the trail for the first time. This ensures every joint is properly filled and protected from day one.
Taking a half-hour to properly service your Polaris General’s grease points is one of the best investments you can make in its longevity and performance. It’s cheap insurance against costly repairs and ensures every ride is as smooth and quiet as it should be. Now you have the map and the knowledge—get out there and give your General the care it deserves!
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