MAKHOON Rebuild Repair Kit Replacement for Polaris Zodiac Automatic Pool Cleaner 280 (Not Compatible with Polaris 360 380)

I saw several reviews that either complained about the instructions being inadequate (they are somewhat) or the quality of parts. I found the parts to be first class! Everything fits just like the OEM parts. I had NO problems or concerns about that. As far as Instructions, I didn't even look at them. I carefully disassembled the unit on a large workbench/table, taking note of how the unit was put together. I kept parts and screws (you need to reuse almost all of the screws) set to the upper left, lower left, upper right, lower right, etc, so I'd know which screws/parts went where when putting it back together. Easy, peasy. You have to take the top off, so disconnect the input/pressure hose, remove the large screwed on float, remove the whip. Take the screws out to remove the top plastic section. Remove the wheels making note of the 2 drive wheels that the new axel gears engage. Take a picture of the wheel mounting screws/assembly before you remove them. Later put them back the same way. There IS a right and wrong way. Remove the screws that hold the axel and paddle wheel part in place. Remove the housing parts, remove the old axel with gears on it, put the new axel in place, put the screws that hold it in place back in, put the housing parts back in place, and tighten the screws. Hand tight on all screws. VERY snug, but don't make them so tight that you strip the threads in the plastic, etc. Take the bottom half of the unit off so you can get to the Idler wheel mounting screw. Remove the old idler wheel, put the new one in place making sure to attach the spring the same way as the old one.Here's where the hardest part was for me. The unit comes with a small part that provides a cover for the end tab on the Idler wheel part. It's a small plastic piece about an inch and a half long, 1/4 inch wide, and has two round tabs that have "split feet" that are to be pushed thru the bottom housing. This part provides an area for the Idler wheel tab to slide in. Getting those split feet inserted into the holes in the bottom half cover was VERY hard. I finally used some lithium grease (cooking oil would work), and used needle-nose pliers to squeeze the split feet and get them started into the snap in holes. Almost a 2 person job for this step. Once I had this task done, I put the new Idler wheel in place - again the same way as the old one. I put the bottom cover/housing back in place, then I put the 3 new wheels in place, making sure the gears were engaged on the 2 drive wheels. I made sure the Idler wheel was fully engaging the 2 wheels, put the top housing back on, reattached the whip and pressure feed hose, and was done. The wheels DO have a little bit of adjustment possible (forward or back) when putting them back in place. I just made sure the new plastic mounting was in exactly the same place as the old ones.My rebuilt unit is running around my pool just like NEW! The only thing remaining is to make adjustments to the rear jet nozzle so the cleaner climbs as needed, gets to all the areas of the pool, etc. I had to do this when the Cleaner was new. Now that it's running like new, I'm having to readjust it as I've slowly moved the old nozzle over the years to compensate for wear/tear. GREAT VALUE for this rebuild kit. Less than 1/4 of the cost of a brand new unit, and I now HAVE a brand new unit!

Rarely is an aftermarket part better than the original, but this rebuild kit is.It was time to rebuild my Polaris 280 so I chose this kit. My first impressions were that it was packaged well, everything needed was there, and the instructions seemed simple enough.I found it helpful to watch an 8 minute YouTube video on the process.It takes about an hour to completely disassemble and reassemble the cleaner using two screwdrivers and a pair of pliers. Be careful with the old screws, you will need to reuse them.It seems to me that the tires are a bit better than the original ones, my Polaris climbs the wall better now than before.Overall, five outa five stars!

The price of a new Polaris has gotten prohibitively expensive. For 1/5 of the cost of a new machine, I figured I would try this rebuild. Super happy with the quality of the materials in this kit. Directions were clear and the rebuild took me about an hour. My Polaris works like brand new. Easy enough for anyone to do. Just needed a flat head and Phillips screwdriver.

Great price. Instructions lacking.

I like that all the parts fit perfectly and it was easy to install them.

All parts appear to be of high quality and replacement was pretty straightforward, just take your time. My Polaris worked great right away and 2 weeks after the rebuild, it’s still going strong. Only negative to me is the Velcro closure on the bag - I would prefer a zipper to empty, but that’s just my preference. Highly recommend, especially if you don’t know the age and it’s not running and cleaning as it should.

All the parts were there and they looked solid, however after 3 months of regular use one of the axles snapped and the wheel fell off. Fortunately that part on its own was only $18 from a local pool supply store. So the quality and durability is not great but considering how much you are saving from OEM its probably worth the risk you might get lucky and get more life.

Good quality parts, great price, easy to rebuild

all parts were there, they fitted, and my pool cleaner is walking around the pool again as it should!!