How do i change the axle of a polaris 280 pool cleaner. I am trying to change the axle on my polaris 280 pool cleaner. I can't seem to get the top off so that I can reach the screws to change it out. Any ideas?

I had recently done maintenance on the Polaris, and when replacing the wheels had put the back wheel on upside down. The axle is off center on the mounting block, so upside down means the back wheel is a little farther away from the idler wheel than it should be. The effect is that the wheel touches the idler wheel, and looks fine, but when in the water and under pressure it loses contact with the idler wheel, so you don't get power from the back wheel. I found this by putting marks on each of the wheels to count rotations while the Polaris was moving around the pool. It was then easy to see that the back wheel was slipping.

The horizontal threaded end plumbs into the pool return line, and the vertical threaded end (on top) plumbs into the Polaris return line.
This is a dedicated return line for pressure side pool cleaners that has been pre-plumbed into the pool when it was built.

If you pool does not have that cleaner return line Polaris has a kit for an "over the deck" mount. Each installation is not identical and it would be best to have someone on site to set you straight. Most pool guys will stop by for a minute or two and show you "what connects where" at no charge (expect to be invoiced if it turns into a lengthy Q&A). Google image may help. The 280 is an excellent cleaner, good luck with the install!

No solution - the Polaris quality has gone to pieces. These axles are ALWAYS breaking, and for no good reason.
Write to Polaris and complain. It is a nice earner for the spare parts trade and their prices are extortionate. I'm considering making these parts myself, out of decent material, whether metal or plastic.

There is only a 1 year warranty on a Polaris 280 (5 year parts warranty on the frame itself)
If you are the original owner you will need to take it into a local service company, preferably the company you purchased it from.
Be sure to register the cleaner at: http://www.polarispool.com/registerproduct.aspx
As far as fixing it, Depends on how and where it fell of from.Did the axle break or it just became loose.
If the problem is that the screws were just loose, you can take the top cover off and look inside. Each axle is held on with 2 screws. Simply screw them back in.
I hate to sound negative but, I doubt that is the problem. This sounds like a broken axle, or even a broken wheel.
Polaris is great with their Warranties, so have no fear in taking this in!
Thanks for the question! I hope I helped you as much as possible!
The Ugly Pool Guy www.WeFixUglyPools.com

Make sure that your thrust jets are properly positioned. You will also want to check for any obstructions in the wheels or axles that would restrict movement. Often with these automatic pool cleaners, one of these two problems is causing restricted movement in the wheels.