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High Lifter's Top 50 Mud Tips


 Rotax Oil Filter

#9 Replace The Oil Filter
And while you're changing your oil, it's a good idea to inspect the oil filter. If you keep to a proper maintenance schedule, it isn't necessary to change the filter at every oil change. But it's better to be safe than sorry. Don't overlook your oil filter.

#10 Drive Belt Tension
Inspecting the drive belt should be a regular maintenance procedure for all utility riders. Look for wear, such as glazing, cracks and obvious wear, which may mean you need a new belt. Also measure the tension or deflection of the belt. Not having the proper tension can result in a slipping belt, which means a loss of power.

#11 Inspect The Diferential Oil
It's a quick-and-easy inspection and it could save your ride if checked regularly. Locate the filler plug on both the front and rear differential and inspect the oil. If it's milky or dark colored, it's probably time to replace it.

#12 Top Off The Coolant
It may sound silly, but topping off your coolant can save you from an overheated motor. So if you don't want to be stranded, top off those fluids.

#13 Check Electrical Connections
Every now and then, it's a great idea to look over your electrical connections. Make sure all of the connections are properly pushed together and cleaned from unwanted dirt and debris.

 Jet Kit

#14 Jetting
For those with a traditional carburetor, it never hurts to carry a jet kit in your truck or trailer. When you arrive to an event or a ride location, you never know how temperatures and altitudes will affect your current jet settings.

#15 Electronic Fuel Injection
These days it seems we're seeing more and more fuel-injected machines, which means dialing in the perfect fuel and air mixture is made more difficult without an EFI modification module. There are many great retailers that carry these modules, so be sure to pick one up. Especially if you've modified your exhaust system.

#16 Inspect And Adjust Valves
In order to retain optimal performance from your motor, you should plan to inspect and adjust the valves in your machine. If you aren't an experienced mechanic, be sure to drop it off at your trusted local dealer. And if you choose to do it yourself, don't forget to seek the advice from your manual.

 Brake

#17 Brake System
A properly functional braking system is one of the most important functions on your ATV. Pull each brake lever in order to determine its effectiveness. Also inspect the brake pads. If they're thin, it's time to hit the shop and pick up a new set. If you keep riding on worn pads, it will most likely destroy the costly rotors. Dirt and mud can wreak havoc on brake pads.

#18 Grease Moving Parts
If you can find grease zerks on your machine, it's important to grease them. You certainly don't want water and other particles working their way into your moving joints. It's OK to pack that grease in; it will help prevent water from entering in.

#19 Vavle Stem Leaks
If your tire is slowly leaking air and you've determined that there's no puncture, it could be your valve stem. To find out, spray a little soapy water around the valve stem. If it bubbles, there's your leak. Make sure the valve stem is properly seated on the rim and the fill valve is screwed all the way in.

#20 Bad Bearings
In order to check for bad bearings on your machine, stand it up on the rear grab bar. Start by shaking the wheels both top and bottom. If things don't feel tight but rather wiggle loosely, it's time to change out the bearings. Be sure to shake wheels top to bottom looking for any slack in the bearings and tie-rod ends.

#21 Check CV Boots
Check your CV boots for tears and grease leaks (water and grit will come in where the grease leaks out). If they have tears or leaks, replace them immediately. Also listen for a clicking noise as the CV joint rotates. If you hear the clicking, it means the joint needs service and may be near failure.


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