The axles on your side-by-side do a lot of work. They’re the final link on your drivetrain that gets your engine’s power to the ground®, and they take a beating. From overheating, to binding, to massive torque loads, the issues facing your axles are made even worse when you add a lift kit.
What can you do to make sure your axles won’t give up the ghost when you get lifted? We’ll walk you through it.
A small lift is about four inches or less and they’re particularly hard on axles. That’s because most of them are designed to work with your stock axles even if your stock axles were designed for nothing more than stock applications. Here are the most common axle issues associated with small lift kits.
Axle binding is caused by a CV joint bending so far that the internal bearings and cage lock up and can’t turn freely. If you force it to turn in this state by hitting the gas, your CV joint will explode internally. Even if an axle doesn’t bind when you’re driving around on flat ground, an axle could bind when you go over uneven terrain where your suspension can drop momentarily.
That’s bad.
When you lift a machine without upgrading your axles, your axle’s CV joint angles increase. There’s no way around it. But before you take your side-by-side out for a spin, you should check for axle binding.
To check for binds, lift your vehicle completely off the ground so your suspension is at full drop, then spin each of your four wheels by hand. They should spin freely. If you have to lift your suspension at all to turn a wheel, then your axle is in a bind. Don’t drive on it.
Even if your axles aren’t binding, the steeper angles of your CV in a lifted machine cause it to heat up more. A hot CV joint might not sound like a big deal, but it can cause a couple issues.
First, running at higher than optimal heat will speed up the breakdown of your CV joint grease and it will start behaving more like water rather than grease. Once your grease starts losing its lubrication qualities, your CV components will start wearing quickly, eventually leading to failure.
If you have severe overheating issues, you can run into the second major problem: sudden, spontaneous failure. If there’s a ton of friction from an extreme angle or a low quality CV, your grease can heat up so much that the pressure ruptures your rubber boot or melts your boot altogether. You’ll lose all of your grease, allowing your CV components to break almost instantly.
The best way to prevent these small lift issues is by upgrading to stock-length aftermarket axles that can handle higher operating angles. There are loads of options from tons of different manufactures. We have 3 different heavy-duty axle styles that are all more than capable of handling any small lift kit you can find.
Check out our Rhino Brand, Rhino 2.0, and Rhino X300 Axles for your small lift kit, and say goodbye to axle issues.
Big lift kits give you at least five inches of lift, and their axle issues are a different beast. That’s because big lift kits almost always come packaged with extended axles. These axles can handle the extreme angles of a big six to ten-inch lift kit, but going big can also cause big problems.
Has anybody ever put a big lift on their side-by-side without also putting on some big tires? Definitely not, and big tires add a ton of weight to your axles. That extra weight makes your axles prone to breaking if you get bogged down in mud or wedged on a steep incline.
This problem can be made worse by another popular big lift kit accessory: a transmission gear reduction. That gear reduction boosts your machine’s torque output, which makes it that much easier to snap an axle if your wheels get stuck. This is different than a portal gear lift, where the gear reduction is in the hub so that it reduces the torque load on your axles.
Big lift kits come with steering stop kits. That’s because even though your big lift kit axles are better, you can still bind them in certain circumstances. Without a steering stop kit, you can destroy an axle easily by turning the steering wheel all the way left or right, throwing it in reverse, and hitting the gas. This causes your machine to rock forward and put a ton of extra stress on your front axles that are already extended to their max while turning.
This maneuver is a bad idea no matter what you’re driving, but on a big lift, it’s a guaranteed break.
So what do you do to save your axles when you add big tires and a transmission gear reduction to your big lift? Driving cautiously will get you far—don’t gun it when your wheels are wedged and use your steering stop kit.
If you don’t want to worry, then you need to upgrade. Axles like our Rhino 2.0 and X300 axles are designed for extreme riding and abuse. Our lifts already come with these heavy-duty axles that can take heat, but if you’re looking to buy a lift from someone else, just make sure you know what kind of axles you’re getting. A good set of axles lets you keep your pedal down on your lifted machine rocking 40” tires.
There’s a reason why we sell so many heavy-duty axles—they’re important. Hopefully you realize the importance of an upgraded heavy-duty axle too. They keep your weekend rides going even when you lift your machine and start getting a little silly.
With a few upgrades, you don’t have to ride easy when you go big.
47 Comments
I bougt an 6″ liftkitt for my outlander 1000r xmr 2016. Bougt it around 2019 in november. I did not get the rhyno 2.0 axles. Wy didn’t I when you write that it is included in your liftkitt? And didn’t got any stearingstop? My axles popping every time I put my 36″ tyres on. Even if I run calm. Its the cvboot that breaks // Niklas from sweden
Hi Niclas! Thanks for reaching out. Unfortunately, we have never offered Rhino 2.0 axles for ATVs. However, if you are having issues with the axles pulling from the diffs, you more than likely need to decrease the angles on the axle CVs by adjusting the shocks down to lower the machine a bit. Give us a call at 855-743-3427 or shoot us an email at sales@superatv.com and we’ll be happy to troubleshoot for you!
I have a 2021 can am outlander 650 XMR im running the 5inch superatv lift with 34s and rhino 2.0 axles. Every ride im having to replace the boots on the front. Ive spent more damn money in boots than I did the lift!!! I know im installing them correctly but it seems as if the angle is causing the ribs of the boots to wear into itself until it breaks. What is the solution here bc im so fed up with changing boots every weekend! Also this is my 2nd set of front axles because of boots breaking.
Michael—thanks for your comment. Please call customer service so we can get you some support.
Customer Service Email & Phone Numbers
Toll Free Phone: 855.743.3427
Phone: 812.574.7777
Text: 318.666.3419
Retail Contact: sales@superatv.com
I installed a super atv 3inch lift kit on my 2015 Polaris razor 900s but when I raise up on the front I hear a clanging noise is the lift to much or are the shocks to short or is bottom alarm hitting it is all stock accept for the lift
Hey Joe! Unfortunately, without seeing the lift, it’s hard to tell what’s going on here. If you’re able to give us a call at 855-743-3427, we should be able to help troubleshoot. You might be prepared to send a few pictures over to us or even a video so that we can get a visual of what you’re dealing with. Thanks for checking in!
I have gone through 6 rhino 2.0 axles in one year. It seems like I’m fixing more than. Riding. That’s even with mild riding. I’ve been through a handful of their “heavy duty” tie rod ends too. They snap right in rhe rack. The axles are a huge disappointment with my big lift. The lift is constructed well. The axles and toe rods are junk. Keep this in mind when lifting your sxs. I’m switching to turner eagles 2.
Hi John! We’re sorry to hear you’ve had problems with our Rhino 2.0s and tie rod kits. If you haven’t already, be sure to call us at 855-743-3427 so we can address those issues. Thanks for reading!
I have a Polaris General with a 3″ bracket lift and tender springs with Rhino 2.0 axles. when i take off I get a clicking or binding noise in the front end and i can wiggle my axel around a little at the differential. do I need longer axels?
Hey Jeff, thanks for checking in! With bracket lift and springs, your axles are most likely binding. I would recommend running some limit straps: https://www.superatv.com/superatv-limit-straps Feel free to give us a call if you experience any other issues at 855-743-3427.
Hello. I’m not sure if I got this straight but I have a 2005 trailblazer 4×4 and it’s got a 7″ lift all around. 1 axle (passenger side) snapped. Need a longer axle and can you help?
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately, we don’t have an axle that would work for you. I would say your best bet is to reach out to the company you bought the kit from and see what they can offer you. Sorry we couldn’t help you much, but we appreciate you tuning in!
I have a 2* lift kit and 29″ tires on my 2012 Polaris 800.
I just bought heavy duty axles for the rear. Drove it less than 10 miles on road. The right rear boot was ripped and of course lost the grease. The whole assembly seemed extremely hot. The angle of my axels were at about 35 degrees. Any suggestions as to why this would happen?
Hey Kenny! Assuming you’re talking about a RZR, 35 degrees is a pretty drastic operating angle. Your best bet is going to be to decrease the CV angles by adjusting your shocks down. Thanks for reaching out!
I have a 2021 Polaris XP 1000 Ranger Crew. I did a 3″ bracket lift kit and went from stock 27″ tires to 30″
I noticed that the rear interior boots are swelling and are very hot. Will Rino 2.0 fix this issue?
Hey Joey! Adding Rhino 2.0’s will definitely help this issue. Here’s a link to those axles: https://www.superatv.com/shop/polaris/ranger-full-size/ranger-xp-1000-crew#/filter:product_category:Axles We appreciate you checking in with us!
Don’t use rhino 2.0 with a big lift. I break one every other ride. I am a hard rider, but I expect more. I’ve broken these rhino 2.0s with little to no effort. Definitely the weakest part of my set up
Hey John, we’re sorry to hear you’ve had issues with your Rhino 2.0s. If you haven’t already, give our customer service team a call at 855-743-3427. Thanks for reading!
I recently put the 6” lift on my 2020 ranger.
I had it aligned at the dealer for 500.00
Took it elk hunting with less than 25 miles it tore the cv boot and the alignment went out.
It’s at the dealer again, the bill this time is 400.00. So 2600 for the lift 2000 for new rims and tires because the 12” rims rub the control arm, and another almost 1000 in alignments and repairs. This lift is close to 6000 dollars and has only been driven 25 miles!
Hey Larry, thanks for commenting this in. We’re sorry you’re dealing with some unexpected issues. It sounds like it could be more of an issue with the axle/CV angles. Give us a call at 855-743-3427 and we’ll be glad to help you troubleshoot.
Hello.I have Сan-am Outlander XMR 1000, 2016 year, G2 MAX.
ATV with Rnino axles (+6 Big Lift Kit, part number 7-13-lt6-rr-bt).
I need EPI CV Joint Kit – Can-Am (Rear right inner side), only for the Rhino Axles.
Axle Replacement Rubber Boot Kit outer side (front-back inner and outer side) – total 8 rubber boots on all sides for the Rhino Axles.
Tell me please, Doyou have such spare parts?
The rubber boots and EPI CV Joint Kit for Rnino axles, should be also only from Rhino, or are parts of the stock original Can-Am suitable?
Thank so much
Alex
Hey Alex! We do have boot kits, but unfortunately no replacement CVs. Your best bet is probably to replace the complete axle: https://www.superatv.com/can-am-outlander-renegade-big-lift-kit-axles-rhino-brand?sku=7-13-LT6-RR-BT. You’ll need the BK-002 for both rear inner and outer CVs and then BK001 for the fronts: https://www.superatv.com/can-am-replacement-axle-boot-rhino-brand. OE CV Boots will not work on Rhino Axles. Thanks for the support!
Hello, Tyler.
Thank you so much for the answer, you helped me a lot. Important and valuable information for me.
What angles of inclination on the axes should be? Front – back, inside and outside? Degrees?
I want to hear your comments and advice.
thanks in advance.
P.S.Do you have shields or other solutions to protect your rubber boots from damage from grass and branches?
Will this work for my lofted impala on 24s? My axles are maxed out because of the 24s. Need a better axle.
Hey Angela! Unfortunately, these will not work for your vehicle. We appreciate you tuning in with us!
Why don’t they make an extended axle for lifted vehicles I have a Polaris sportsman 500 HO lifted 4 inches and I constantly break rear axles it seems as if they’re too short what’s your feedback
Hey Deabn, what kind of lift do you have? Unfortunately, we don’t have an extended axle for this. But if you have Rhino axles, we might have a CV replacement. This is great feedback to have that I can pass onto our design team. Thanks for checking in with us!
I have a 2017 polaris sportsman highlifter 1000xp with a 2 inch bracket lift. I broke a right rear stock axle, went and purchased a rhino 2.0 axle rode on it one weekend and the inside axle boot came apart and lost all the grease. Contacted super atv and they sent another one. Installed that axle and rode it for one day and now the same thing again. However my left rear axle is still the stock axle and i dont have that problem. Any suggestions would be great and if they can reach out about possibly replacing this one again, axles should last longer than this. This is my first time purchasing this brand and am really upset about this
Hey Scott, sorry you’re having so many issues. One of the most common causes of boot breakage results from letting the axle dangle during installation. When it dangles, the boot can get pinched and cause a small slit that rips apart when in use. Make sure you strap your axle to your frame after you stick the inner CV into the diff. If that’s not the cause, then you’ll need to do some more in-depth troubleshooting with our customer service techs. Give us a call at 855-743-3427.
I’ve given them your information so hopefully you can get this resolved quickly. Thanks for reaching out.
I’ve got a 2021 ranger 1000 XP I lifted it 3 inches and bought rhino 2.0s to put all the way around. I use the side-by-side mostly around the farm after about 200 or less miles the right rear axle got extremely hot and the upper CV boot ruptured. I checked the left side and found that grease was gathering on the bottom side of the bottom CV boot. It appears to have a problem also and probably will be going out soon .Can I get these replaced from you since I’ve only had it for a short amount of time?
Hey Ken, that definitely doesn’t sound right. Give us a call at 855-743-3427 and we’ll see what we can do to help.
HELLO, I HAVE BEEN THROUGH ABOUT 3 SETS OF RHINO 2.O AXLES IN LESS THEN 2 MOTHS, TOTALLING AROUN MAYBE 120 MILES FOR ALL SET INSTALLED, I RUN S3 POWERSPORTS 4 INCH LIFT, AND I SPOKE WITH THEM WHICH I WILL NEVER RECOMEND THERE PRODUCTSA TO ANYONE, BASICALLY I HAVE A NORTHSTAR THAT IS USELESS, 4 INCH LIFT WITH 32 INCH TOYO MT SXS, THE REAR ANGLE FROM THERE ARM SEEMS TO BE SO EXTREME BUT THEY SAY NO ONE HAS EVER HAD A PROBLEM, I CALL BS. IM CHANGING REAR LOWER ARM BACK TO STOCK ARM IM DONE. MY QUESTION IS CAN A SINGLE AXLE RUN THIS MACHINE IN TURF MODE OR NOT, MY 2019 HAD 30X10X14 DOT MOTOVATORS WITH POLY DOORS 3 INCH LIFT, I RAN ON STOCK AXLES FOR 3 YEARS THOUSANDS OF MILES IN TRAILS NEVER HAD AN ISSUE, NOW HERE I AM BRAND NEW RANGER AND I CANT DRIVE IT, I JUST WANTED ADDITONAL CLEARANCE WITHOUT BRACKET LIFT, SO GUESS IS JUST MY LUCK, THANKS GREAT THREAD HAVE GREAT DAY
Hey Shane, our Rhino 2.0 Axles can handle the NorthStar in Turf mode, no problem. If you run our front and rear 1.5″ offset high-clearance A-arms instead of a lift, you can still get some pretty good ground clearance and run the 32″ Toyos. You could also get some aftermarket springs to get a little extra ground clearance without a lift.
Hopefully you can figure something out that lets you enjoy your NorthStar the way you want.
Hello, I recently replaced my stock rear axels for my 2022 Polaris Sportsman 850 High Lifter Edition with rhino 2.0 axels. Once I had them installed I did a lap around my neighborhood and when I returned I noticed that the axels were rubbing on my upper a arms and actually tore one of the boots to the brand new axel. I’ve been looking around for some a arms with a little more clearance but haven’t been able to find any that fit this bike. Any suggestions?
Hey Chandler, that’s pretty odd. Have you tried our A-arms: https://www.superatv.com/polaris-sportsman-high-clearance-a-arms
I’d also suggest giving us a call at 855-743-3427. That doesn’t sound right. Thanks for reading!
2019 Polaris Ranger 1000 XP Crew – 2.5″ Marshall Moto lift – 14″ Wheels w/ 30″ Tusk Terrabite Arrids. Which rear axle would help with binding and boot collapse? Currently been running OEM, but boots collapse and eventually tear.
Hi Ryan! Our Rhino 2.0 Axles are stronger than stock and backed by an 18-month warranty (best in the biz). BUT! You might also consider limit straps since you’re running a lift. There’s a chance the lift could be pushing your A-arms and axles down too far, causing them to bind—yes, even a small lift can do this. Grab some Rhino 2.0s and limit straps and I think that’ll help you a lot with this issue.
https://www.superatv.com/polaris-ranger-1000-fullsize-heavy-duty-axles-rhino-2-0?sku=AX-1-79-R-0-DT#RB&wishlist=null&wishlistItemId=null
I have a 2022 Honda pioneer 1000-5 trail edition and installed a 2.5” highlighter kit on it. So the rear driver side axle started making noise and finally came out so i replaced it with a 2.0 rhino axle and i ll be it’s making the same noise as the old axle when it came out. Any ideas what it could be?
Hey Bill! Give us a call and a technician can help you get to the root of your problem! 812.574.7777
hi, i have a 2013 can am mavrick 1000 r , has a 2.5 in lift and 32 in tires . i have replaced everything on the rear axles . hud , bearings etc. have rhino 2.0 axles . left side keeps going out . any one had the problem ? if so what is the fix.
Hey Brad,
Unfortunately, this isn’t a common problem. Give us a call to speak with a technician! 812.574.7777
I’ve got a 2013 Polaris Ranger 900xp. Small 2.5” bracket lift and 33” tires. I keep breaking rear rhino 2.0 axles. Going on my 3rd set in a year. What’s going on?
Hey Anthony,
We’re sorry to hear this is happening! Give us a call for some technical assistance. 812.574.7777
I have a 2024 can am defender max limited with the big kit 9” lift
Might has 1000 kms and blew threw 4 axels already and being in Canada it’s 600.00 each axel
I’m at the pint of ripping this 16.000 Canadian build out of my machine been nothing but a headache can’t go anywhere with out a boot ripping
Have put shocks down to the lowest
Sent to 2 different dealers to have it to spec and still same problems they hear up so hot they will burn your finger tips
Hey Tyler,
Is this a SuperATV lift kit? If so, give us a call! 812.574.7777
I have a 2021 Can am defender 1000 max xt with the 2 inch lift. I keep breaking boots at the rear axle diff side within 25 miles. Currently have rhino 2.0 axle this will be the third set of axles in 3 months first set of rhinos. Any help would be appreciated.
Hey Edward,
Give us a call to speak with a technician! 812.574.7777