Is your 2017 Polaris RZR 1000 XP feeling a little… tired? Are you bottoming out on jumps you used to clear with ease, or feeling every single rock on the trail? That plush, controlled ride you loved seems like a distant memory, replaced by a bouncy, unpredictable mess.
I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to drop a grand or more on brand new shocks to fix it. With the right know-how, a bit of patience, and a few specific tools, you can bring that factory-fresh performance back to life right in your own garage.
This guide is your roadmap. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using a rear shock rebuild kit 2017 polaris rzr 1000 xp, from spotting the signs of worn-out shocks to the detailed, step-by-step process of the rebuild itself. Let’s get that RZR riding like new again.
Why Rebuild? The Big Benefits of a Rear Shock Rebuild Kit 2017 Polaris RZR 1000 XP
Before we get our hands dirty, let’s talk about why this is such a great project. Choosing to rebuild your shocks instead of replacing them isn’t just about saving a few bucks; it’s a smarter, more sustainable choice for any serious rider.
Massive Cost Savings
This is the big one. A brand new set of OEM or aftermarket rear shocks for a RZR 1000 XP can easily cost you over a thousand dollars. A high-quality rebuild kit? You’re looking at a fraction of that price. For the cost of a good dinner out, you can get all the necessary seals and oil to make your shocks perform like new. That’s more money left over for fuel, tires, and other upgrades.
Performance Restoration and Customization
Over time, shock oil breaks down and seals wear out, causing a major loss in damping performance. A rebuild replaces these tired components, restoring that crisp, controlled feeling you had when the machine was new. This is also your chance to tune your ride. You can experiment with different shock oil weights—a slightly heavier oil can slow down the damping for a more planted feel, while a lighter oil can speed it up for quicker response in certain terrains.
A More Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Choice
In a world of disposable everything, rebuilding is a powerful act. Tossing a massive chunk of machined aluminum and steel in the scrap heap because a few rubber seals wore out is incredibly wasteful. Using an eco-friendly rear shock rebuild kit 2017 polaris rzr 1000 xp means you’re only replacing the small wear-and-tear items. It’s a more responsible approach that reduces waste and the environmental impact of manufacturing new parts. This is one of the core benefits of rear shock rebuild kit 2017 polaris rzr 1000 xp that many riders appreciate.
Telltale Signs: When Do You Need to Rebuild Your RZR’s Shocks?
Your RZR is pretty good at telling you when something’s wrong. You just have to know what to look—and feel—for. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s probably time for a rebuild.
Leaking Oil: The Smoking Gun
This is the most obvious sign. Take a close look at your shock bodies. Do you see a film of oil? Is dirt and grime caked onto the shock body more than usual? That’s a classic sign of a failed seal. The oil is escaping, and where oil gets out, dirt and water can get in, causing even more damage.
A Bouncy or “Pogo Stick” Ride
Does your RZR feel like it’s bouncing uncontrollably after hitting a bump? That’s a loss of damping control. The shock’s job is to control the compression and rebound of the spring. When the oil is worn out or low, it can’t do its job, and the spring is left to bounce around like a pogo stick. This is not only uncomfortable, but it’s also incredibly unsafe on rough terrain.
Bottoming Out or a Harsh Ride
If you’re feeling hard, jarring impacts over obstacles that used to be no problem, your shocks are likely bottoming out. This can be caused by a loss of shock oil or, more commonly, a loss of the high-pressure nitrogen charge. This nitrogen charge prevents the oil from foaming (a process called cavitation) and provides the final bit of bottom-out resistance.
Gearing Up: Tools and Parts You’ll Need for the Job
Having the right tools makes all the difference between a frustrating afternoon and a successful, satisfying project. You can’t just wing this one; some specialized equipment is required for safety and a quality result.
Essential Tools for the Rebuild
- Safety Glasses and Nitrile Gloves: Non-negotiable. You’re working with pressurized components and chemicals.
- Bench Vise with Soft Jaws: You need a way to hold the shock body securely without scratching or denting the aluminum. Do not clamp directly onto the shock body with a standard steel vise.
- Spring Compressor: The springs are under significant tension. A good, reliable spring compressor is essential for safe removal.
- Nitrogen Tank, Regulator, and No-Loss Chuck: This is the most specialized piece of kit. You cannot use an air compressor. Nitrogen is required because it’s an inert, dry gas that won’t cause corrosion or expand with heat like moisture-filled compressed air will.
- Shock Seal Bullet: A small tool that slips over the shaft threads to protect the new seals during installation. You can often make one with electrical tape in a pinch, but the real tool is better.
- Seal Pick Set: For carefully removing old O-rings and seals without scratching the internal surfaces.
- Torque Wrench: For properly tightening the shock cap and other components to factory specs.
- Basic Hand Tools: A good socket set, wrenches, and rubber mallet will cover the rest.
Your Rebuild Kit and Fluids
Your rear shock rebuild kit 2017 polaris rzr 1000 xp will typically contain all the necessary wear items: the main oil seal, dust seal/scraper, shaft O-ring, seal head bushing, and piston ring. For shock fluid, use a high-quality suspension fluid from a reputable brand like Maxima, Lucas, or Bel-Ray. The stock Walker Evans shocks on a 2017 RZR 1000 XP use a 5wt oil, which is a great starting point.
The Main Event: How to Rear Shock Rebuild Kit 2017 Polaris RZR 1000 XP (Step-by-Step Guide)
Alright, it’s time to get to work. Take your time, stay organized, and prioritize safety above all else. This detailed rear shock rebuild kit 2017 polaris rzr 1000 xp guide will walk you through each step.
SAFETY WARNING: Your shocks contain high-pressure nitrogen (around 200 PSI). You MUST release this pressure before attempting any disassembly. Failure to do so can result in the shock cap launching off with explosive force, causing serious injury or death.
Step 1: Safely Remove the Shocks
Securely lift and support your RZR on jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Remove the rear wheels, then unbolt the top and bottom shock mounts and carefully remove the shock assembly from the vehicle.
Step 2: Clean and Prepare Your Workspace
Thoroughly clean the outside of the shock. You don’t want any dirt or grit getting inside during the rebuild. A clean workspace is a happy workspace. Lay out a clean rag to organize all your parts as you disassemble them.
Step 3: Release the Nitrogen Pressure
Locate the Schrader valve on the shock reservoir. Remove the cap, and using a small tool (or your no-loss chuck), depress the valve pin to release all the nitrogen. You should hear it hiss out. Wait until it is completely silent. Double-check that all pressure is gone before proceeding.
Step 4: Compress the Spring
Mount your spring compressor on the shock and carefully compress the spring just enough to take the pressure off the spring retainer clip. Use a small pick or screwdriver to remove the retainer, then slowly decompress the spring and remove it from the shock body.
Step 5: Disassemble the Shock
Secure the shock in your vise using soft jaws. Unscrew the seal head cap from the shock body. It may be tight. Once loosened, you can slide the entire shaft and piston assembly out of the shock body.
Step 6: Drain Old Oil and Inspect Internals
Pour the old, smelly shock oil into a drain pan for proper disposal. Carefully inspect the shock shaft for any nicks, scratches, or bending. A damaged shaft will tear up new seals in no time and must be replaced. Also, check the inside of the shock body for any deep scoring.
Step 7: Replace the Seals and O-Rings
This is the heart of the rebuild. Carefully use your seal picks to remove the old dust seal, oil seal, and O-rings from the seal head. Clean the grooves thoroughly. Lubricate your new seals with fresh shock oil and carefully install them, making sure they are seated correctly and not twisted. Using a seal bullet over the shaft threads is one of the best rear shock rebuild kit 2017 polaris rzr 1000 xp tips to avoid damaging the new seals.
Step 8: Reassemble and Fill with New Shock Oil
Slide the seal head back onto the shock shaft. Now, with the shock body held vertically in the vise, slowly pour in the new shock oil until it’s about an inch from the top. Slowly move the piston up and down inside the body to “bleed” any trapped air bubbles out. You’ll see them rise to the surface. Keep doing this until no more bubbles appear, and top off the oil level as needed per your service manual’s specifications.
Step 9: Pressurize with Nitrogen
Carefully insert the shaft assembly back into the body, allowing excess oil to displace. Tighten the seal head cap to the manufacturer’s torque spec. Now, attach your no-loss chuck and nitrogen regulator to the Schrader valve. Slowly charge the shock to the recommended pressure (typically 200 PSI for the 2017 RZR 1000 XP, but always verify with your service manual). Remove the chuck and replace the valve cap.
Step 10: Reinstall and Test
Reinstall the spring and retainer. Mount the freshly rebuilt shock back on your RZR, making sure to torque the mounting bolts correctly. Reinstall the wheels, lower the vehicle, and go for a test ride. You should immediately notice a huge improvement in ride quality and control.
Common Problems and Best Practices for Your Shock Rebuild
Even with a guide, things can go wrong. Here are a few common problems with rear shock rebuild kit 2017 polaris rzr 1000 xp projects and how to avoid them.
Avoiding Scratches and Nicks
The polished shock shaft and the aluminum body are sensitive. A deep scratch on the shaft will act like a file, destroying your new seal in hours. A dent in the body can prevent the piston from moving smoothly. Always use soft jaws in your vise and be careful with your tools. This is one of the most important rear shock rebuild kit 2017 polaris rzr 1000 xp best practices.
Getting the Oil Level and Bleed Right
Too little oil or air trapped in the system will lead to a spongy, inconsistent feel because the air will compress before the oil starts doing its job. Take your time during the bleeding process; it’s critical for proper performance. Follow the oil height specifications in your service manual precisely.
Post-Rebuild Care and Maintenance
Your work isn’t done after the test ride. A good rear shock rebuild kit 2017 polaris rzr 1000 xp care guide is simple: keep them clean. After every ride, wash the mud and dirt off the shock shafts. This prevents debris from being dragged past the dust seal, which extends the life of the main oil seal significantly. Check for leaks periodically.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Rear Shock Rebuild Kit 2017 Polaris RZR 1000 XP
How often should I rebuild my RZR shocks?
This depends heavily on how you ride. For aggressive racers or dune riders, every 50 hours is a good rule of thumb. For the average trail rider, checking them annually or every 1,000 miles is sufficient. If you see any signs of leaking, rebuild them immediately, regardless of the hours.
Can I use a different weight shock oil?
Absolutely. This is a great way to tune your suspension. A heavier weight oil (like 7.5wt) will slow down compression and rebound, which can be great for controlling large hits and G-outs. A lighter oil (like 2.5wt) will speed things up, which can be better for small, chattery bumps. Only make small changes at a time to feel the difference.
What if my shock shaft is bent or deeply scratched?
A rebuild kit will not fix physical damage. If your shock shaft is bent or has deep gouges you can feel with a fingernail, the shaft must be replaced. At this point, it’s often best to take the shock to a professional suspension shop, as they have the tools and parts to replace the shaft and complete the rebuild for you.
Is it safe to use compressed air instead of nitrogen?
NO. NEVER. Compressed air from a shop compressor contains moisture, which will cause corrosion inside your shock and emulsify with the oil. More importantly, air expands dramatically when it gets hot, which will cause your damping characteristics to change unpredictably as you ride. Nitrogen is a dry, stable gas that provides consistent performance from the start of the trail to the end.
Tackling a shock rebuild is one of the most rewarding DIY jobs you can do for your RZR. You’ll save a huge amount of money, gain a deeper understanding of how your machine works, and restore the performance you’ve been missing. Take your time, stay safe, and get ready to enjoy that smooth, controlled ride on your next adventure.
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