Sorry about starting a new thread about this, but I've looked at most all of the previous posts and haven't found what I'm looking for.

My brother's 1998 sportsman has about 900 miles on it, and its getting quite sloppy in steering. I'm not too sure on how to replace the joints; I've never done it. I sure would appreciate a step by step on how to do it. I assume we'll need to realign the front wheels. Does the sportsman have any toe-in/toe-out, or is it straight? Also, ChopperBill mentioned that you can replace the old tie rods w/ new ones ('99-'00) for about $40 apiece. Should we just do that? I don't think I'll try the retrofitted heim style that everyone is talking about just yet, I just want to try replacing them w/ polaris parts - to see if I can do it.

Thanks

 

I really would appreciate some help on this, anyone with experience please?

 

The instructions are for the outer tie rod ends. The inners are similar. You must first order the entire upgrade kit for both outer tie rod ends. Each end kit should include the tie rod end, 2 washers, 1 bolt, 1 nut, and 1 cotter pin. The following are instructions to the best of my knowledge:
1) Remove wheel
2) Unbolt tie rod end from strut housing
3) Loosen jam nut from tie rod end
4) Unscrew tie rod end from tie rod
5) Thread on new tie rod end to where the amount of exposed threads on that end equals the amount exposed on the inner end.
6) Put bolt downward through rod end, then put 1 washer on below rod end, put bolt through strut housing mount, put washer on under strut mount, then tighten nut on bolt and secure with cotter pin.
7) Once both sides are done, a string can be tied around all wheels, half way up on each wheel, and toe can be set according to Polaris specifications--you can check with your local dealer on the specs.
8) I fill each rubber boot up with grease using a grease needle and sliping it in the boot where it fits tight against the rod end and filling until the boot begins to expand. This serves to lubricate the boot, and keep trash from collecting inside the boot.

Hope this helps

 

Hey, thanks a lot, it looks pretty darn easy to do. Now, you mentioned just the outer tie rod ends - when I order the updated kit, is that all I need/get? I guess what I'm saying is, does the updated kit just include the outer tie rod ends, or does it include the complete tie rod (inner, outer, rod)? If it only includes only the outers, do I need to also order the rod and inners, or does the updated outer ends kit screw into the old rods?

Thanks, ogre

 

I can't be sure about that, ogre. Call your dealership and find out what comes together. If you make the change to the updated outer tie rod ends, they may require the larger tie rod, and you would have to change the inner rod ends as well. Just call and find out. One other thing that may cause loose steering is the steering stem bushing at the bottom of the steering post. It's made of plastic, and you can replace it with one made of aluminum and brass from HPD or other aftermarket suppliers.

 

One more note,
If you think you need to replace the steering stem bushing also, wait and do it at the same time. That way you dont have to "undo" the work you did previously.

 

I know that when I hold one of the front wheels with both hands and someone moves the handlebars back and forth you can see that the handlebars can move freely a bit before I can feel the tire starting to turn - obvious freeplay. I assume this is caused by wore tie rod ends. How could I tell if the steering stem bushing was also wore?

Again, thanks for the help.

ogre

 

Since you have slop already it may be hard to tell, best thing would be to look at the steering stem bushing and have someone move the handlebars, maybe with the tires removed so you get a real good look at it.

The more I think about, you probably should plan on replacing that bushing anyway because when I replaced my tie rod ends I had ZERO slop in the steering. Two months later, I had slop. Enter the steering stem bushing. Maybe it was just coincidence but the bushing went out shortly after replacing the tie rod ends.

 

I agree, it certainly makes sense just to replace the bushing while I'm at it. I'll go that route. Thanks.

 

i just found the 1/2 by 1/2 hiem joints with out grease fittings,teflon lined for like 8 bucks a piece from graingers