Is your once-nimble Polaris RZR 800 starting to feel more like a bucking bronco than a precision off-road machine? If you’re dealing with a harsh ride, bottoming out on small bumps, or a floaty, uncontrolled feeling in the corners, chances are your suspension is crying for help. The problem often points directly to your polaris rzr 800 shocks.
We get it. You bought your RZR to conquer trails, not to get beat up by them. A worn-out suspension doesn’t just ruin the fun; it compromises your control and safety.
In this complete guide, we promise to walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover how to diagnose failing shocks, provide a step-by-step DIY replacement guide, explore popular upgrade options, and share pro maintenance tips to keep your ride smooth for years to come. Let’s get your RZR back to peak performance.
Why Your Polaris RZR 800 Shocks are the Heart of Your Ride
It’s easy to focus on horsepower and big tires, but your shocks are arguably one of the most critical components for off-road performance. They do much more than just absorb bumps; they are the key to traction, stability, and driver confidence.
Think of them as the unsung heroes of your UTV. Good shocks keep your tires planted on the ground over rough terrain, which translates directly into better grip for accelerating, braking, and cornering. This is one of the main benefits of polaris rzr 800 shocks that are in top condition.
A well-dampened suspension also prevents the chassis from becoming unsettled, reducing body roll and keeping you in control when the trail gets tricky. Ultimately, a properly functioning set of shocks provides a safer, more comfortable, and significantly more capable ride.
Spotting Trouble: Common Problems with Polaris RZR 800 Shocks
Before you start turning wrenches, you need to know what you’re looking for. Shocks usually don’t fail suddenly; they degrade over time, making it hard to notice the decline in performance. Here are the most common signs that your shocks are on their way out.
Leaking Oil: The Telltale Sign
This is the most obvious sign of a failed shock. Take a flashlight and inspect the body of each shock absorber. If you see a coating of oily, grimy dirt, it means the main seal has failed and hydraulic fluid is leaking out. A little bit of misting can be normal, but any active dripping or heavy coating is a major red flag.
The Dreaded “Bounce Test” Failure
This simple test can reveal a lot. Go to each corner of your RZR and push down on the bumper or cage with your full body weight. When you release it, the vehicle should rebound once and settle. If it continues to bounce up and down like a pogo stick, the shock has lost its damping ability and needs to be replaced.
Damaged Components and Physical Wear
Give your shocks a thorough visual inspection. Look for a bent shock shaft (the shiny chrome rod), a dented shock body, or cracked or worn-out bushings where the shock mounts to the A-arms and frame. Any physical damage can compromise the shock’s integrity and performance.
Noises You Can’t Ignore: Clunking and Squeaking
Are you hearing new clunks or rattles from your suspension when you go over bumps? This could be a sign of worn-out shock bushings or loose mounting bolts. Worn bushings create play in the mounting points, leading to annoying noises and imprecise handling.
The Complete Polaris RZR 800 Shocks Guide: DIY Replacement
Ready to get your hands dirty? Replacing the shocks on your RZR 800 is a straightforward job for a DIYer with the right tools and a little patience. This section will show you how to polaris rzr 800 shocks can be replaced safely in your own garage.
Tools and Safety First
Before you begin, gather your tools. You’ll need:
- A solid floor jack and heavy-duty jack stands (never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack!)
- A set of metric sockets and wrenches (15mm and 18mm are common sizes for shock bolts)
- A torque wrench
- A breaker bar for stubborn bolts
- Wheel chocks
- Safety glasses
Step 1: Secure Your RZR
Park your RZR on a flat, level surface like a concrete garage floor. Chock the wheels on the end you aren’t lifting first to prevent it from rolling. For example, if you’re starting with the front shocks, chock the rear wheels.
Step 2: Lift and Remove the Wheels
Using your floor jack, lift one corner of the RZR until the tire is off the ground. Place a jack stand securely under the frame. Never place it under an A-arm or other suspension component. With the RZR safely supported, remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
Step 3: Remove the Old Shock
The shock is held in place by two bolts—one at the top and one at the bottom. These can be tight, so you may need your breaker bar to get them started. Loosen and remove both the upper and lower mounting bolts. Once the bolts are out, the shock should come right off. Be prepared; it might be heavier than it looks!
Step 4: Installing the New Shocks
Take your new shock and slide it into position. It’s often easiest to install the top bolt first, but only thread it in a few turns. Then, you may need to compress or extend the shock slightly by hand to align the bottom mounting hole. A pro tip is to use your floor jack under the A-arm to gently raise or lower the suspension to get the holes to line up perfectly.
Once aligned, insert the bottom bolt. Now you can fully tighten both the upper and lower bolts, but don’t give them the final torque just yet.
Step 5: Torque to Spec and Final Checks
Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Carefully lower the RZR off the jack stand so the suspension is supporting the vehicle’s weight. Now, use your torque wrench to tighten the shock mounting bolts and the wheel’s lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specified torque values. This is a critical step for safety.
Repeat this process for the other three corners, and you’re done!
Beyond Stock: Choosing the Right Shock Upgrade
Replacing worn-out shocks with OEM parts is a great way to restore your ride. But if you want to elevate your RZR’s performance, the aftermarket offers a world of possibilities. Understanding the options is key.
OEM vs. Aftermarket: What’s the Difference?
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) shocks are designed to be a good all-around compromise for the average user. Aftermarket shocks from brands like Fox, Walker Evans, or Elka are built for performance. They often feature larger bodies for better heat dissipation, stronger components, and, most importantly, adjustability.
Understanding Shock Types
You’ll often see terms like “piggyback” or “remote reservoir.” These designs separate the shock’s oil from the high-pressure nitrogen gas charge. This prevents the oil from foaming (a process called cavitation) during hard use, which leads to a major loss of damping. For aggressive trail riding or racing, reservoir shocks offer a huge performance advantage and consistency.
Setting Preload and Adjustments
Most aftermarket shocks allow you to adjust spring preload, which sets your ride height. Many also feature “clickers” for compression and rebound damping. This lets you fine-tune how the shock behaves, allowing you to set it up for a soft, plush ride on rocky trails or a firm, controlled ride for high-speed desert runs. This is one of the best polaris rzr 800 shocks tips—learn what your adjusters do!
Best Practices for Your Polaris RZR 800 Shocks Care Guide
Your shocks work hard, and a little care goes a long way. Following this simple polaris rzr 800 shocks care guide will extend their life and keep them performing at their best.
Regular Cleaning and Inspection
After every ride, especially in muddy or dusty conditions, wash your shocks thoroughly. Caked-on mud can trap moisture and accelerate corrosion. More importantly, dried mud and grit can damage the shock shaft seals, leading to premature leaks. While cleaning, give them a quick inspection for any leaks or damage.
Sustainable Polaris RZR 800 Shocks: Rebuilding vs. Replacing
Did you know that most high-quality aftermarket (and some OEM) shocks are rebuildable? Instead of throwing away a leaky shock, a technician can replace the seals, oil, and nitrogen charge for a fraction of the cost of a new one. This is a fantastic, eco-friendly polaris rzr 800 shocks option that saves you money and reduces waste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Polaris RZR 800 Shocks
How often should I replace my RZR 800 shocks?
There’s no set mileage. It depends entirely on your riding style and terrain. A good rule of thumb is to inspect them every 50 hours of use. For aggressive riders, a rebuild or replacement might be needed every 1-2 years. For casual trail riders, they could last much longer.
Can I just replace one bad shock?
It’s highly recommended to replace shocks in pairs (both fronts or both rears). Because shocks wear out gradually, a new shock will have different damping characteristics than the old one on the other side, which can lead to unpredictable handling.
What’s the difference between front and rear shocks on a RZR 800?
Front and rear shocks are not interchangeable. They have different lengths, valving, and spring rates to account for the different weight distribution and suspension geometry of the front and rear of the vehicle.
Do I need a spring compressor to change my shocks?
No. On a Polaris RZR 800, the shock and spring come off as a single unit, called a “coilover.” You do not need a dangerous spring compressor for a standard shock replacement. Simply unbolt the old coilover and bolt the new one in its place.
Upgrading or simply maintaining your polaris rzr 800 shocks is one of the best investments you can make in your machine. It transforms the ride, boosts your confidence, and keeps you safer on the trail. By following this guide, you have the knowledge to tackle the job yourself and understand the options available. Now get those tools out, give your RZR the suspension it deserves, and get back to enjoying the ride!
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