Hopefully someone can give me some guidance and help me trouble shoot a problem.

Recently my bike, Polaris sportsman 500, was in an accident.  Thought we got it all fixed up.  There was a small rip in the front Boot on the front left half shaft (the boot that connects the shaft to the left front tire).

After dropping the bike back off out at the farm I got a call saying that the bike was "clicking" when it was being driven at slow speeds.  

It is "clicking" when it is in both 4 and 2 wheel drive.  However, when the bike is jacked up and the tire is free spinning there isn't any noise.  Would this be due to the half shaft driving the wheel when it is on the ground but not when it is free spinning?

Would some grit inside of the boot cause this clicking? The part is 180 bucks and I'd hate to replace it to find out it wasnt the problem.

I know I'm asking for a lot with this question but any experience or opinions would be GREATLY appreciated!

Steve  

More time than not it is the axle, just a small amount of dirt will comprimise the bearing. It is amazing the noise a small abrasion on the bearing or seat will transfer.

You can dissasemblem clean and inspect the joint then repack. The more you run it the more damage it will do