Have 03 XC7 and 03 XC8 both with over 6000 miles, when changing waterpump belt noticed extreme wear on connection slot on the shaft coming out of the water pump to drive oil pump. Have had to have them both replaced. Is this common, has Polaris improved shaft material in later years? When making over 3000 miles per year, it doesn't seem right an important component like this wouldn't have better quality control. I'm sure they must sell a lot of these shafts because there has to be many of these chassis and engines out there with high miles now.

VERY COMMON, i have over 9000 miles each on 2 different sleds, havent changed the shaft yet.

out of curiosty, whats it cost to change them

I think shaft was about $40.00, but fairly extensive job to remove waterpump and change without damaging seal and drive sprocket. At that mileage the spline must almost be wore right off on yours.