Why Polaris Transmissions Fail — and How East Lake Axle Builds Them Better
Nov 12, 2025
If you’ve owned a Polaris RZR for a few seasons, you know the transmission is one of the most common failure points. Hard launches, oversized tires, and heavy loads all take a toll. At East Lake Axle, we’ve seen it all — and we’ve engineered a solution that outperforms stock in strength, precision, and reliability.
Common Causes of Polaris Transmission Failure
1. Gear Wear & Pitting
Over time, gear teeth wear down due to poor lubrication or heat buildup, leading to grinding or complete gear failure.
2. Bearing & Seal Fatigue
Factory bearings often can’t handle long-term stress, causing play inside the case that leads to misalignment.
3. Cracked Cases
The OEM case material can crack under impact, torque loads or bearing/chain failures — especially when the RZR is modified with bigger tires or power add-ons.
4. Water or Mud Intrusion
In off-road conditions, contamination is a silent killer. Once water enters, corrosion and bearing damage follow quickly.
How East Lake Axle Improves the Design
- Upgraded Bearings & Seals – We use higher-grade bearings and precision seals to eliminate common leak and wear issues.
- Precision Assembly & Testing – Every transmission is assembled to tight tolerances and tested before shipping.
- Enhanced Case Strength – The case casting is reinforced for better rigidity, reducing the risk of cracks and misalignment.
- OEM Compatibility – Each transmission is 100% bolt-on compatible with your original Polaris part numbers, ensuring perfect fitment.
Built for Real-World Riders
We’ve done extensive testing in real world conditions on our own machines to ensure a high functioning transmission. The East Lake Axle transmission was built for all types of riding — offering factory fit, upgraded internals, and the reliability you expect from our brand.
Shop Our Polaris RZR Transmission Replacements
- 🔧 Polaris RZR Rear Transmission 1333471 / 1333695 / 1334347
- 🔧 Polaris RZR 1000 Rear Transmission 1334348 / 1333536
- 🔧 Polaris RZR 1000 Rear Transmission 1333470 / 1333694 / 1333530 / 1333738 / 1334086 / 1334346
Whether your stock transmission failed or you’re looking for a dependable upgrade, our Polaris RZR transmissions are engineered for performance and longevity. Each unit is ready to install — backed by our 2 year no fault warranty and decades of drivetrain experience.