Hey, has anyone heard of ball joint failure in a 1998 300 series. I know some 2002 models have been recalled b/c of defective ball joints. I'm trying to figure out if the ball joint is the same in my 98 model. My dealer says it's not, but won't give me a part number so that I can compare the 2. Sketchy huh? Any ideas??????

 

1998 ball joint number is 0505-050 2002 ball joint number is 0405-082. I got this from Browns Arctic cat parts on line.

 

Thanks for the site. I checked it out and got different part numbers. how do I go about finding out the manufacturer?

 

I have no idea how to find that info. Sorry

 

I'v seen a ball joint pull out of the socket on a 99 250 cat (2x4) the part number was different then the news cat's but it was interchanged to the new part # and the socket was upgraded to a type with a hex cap on it. The new ones should fit.

 

Yes ,funny you bring it up .I recalled something from Arctic cat a few years ago Re: ball joint failures.My 99 300 4by4 had both uppers get real loose.My local dealer said there was no such recall so I had it repaired at my expense last Fall.................Low and behold I just found the paper work sent to me from Arctic Cat in April 2002.The dealer was obviously suffering from amnesia.They sent out letters on 7/22/99 and 4/2/02.It supposedly applies to ATVs purchased before 4/15/99.They relate mechanical failures to perforations in the boots.In reality I believe they had some severe premature failures of the rubber boots and suspension components.I had tie rod end boots which showed a dryrotted type look when the machine was not much more than a year old.Nothing was worn ....but the boots were shot.The upper ball joints on the other hand were beginning to rattle @ 350 miles but the boots were fine.I do think Cat has had lots of ball joint issues.I am real happy with my machine but I think this problem was a bit swept under the carpet........................At the time I did find it odd the ball joints for my machine were right in stock.............and I remember the parts manager telling me they had" numerous sets so you need not rush to get the machine in.") I saved the old joints...they were within a wisker of separating.