I new here. I was looking through posts dated all the way back to 2004. I could not find any statements with my problem so some of you might know what to do. I have recently purchased three atvs in the past year and a half. The only atv with this problem is the one with the 4x4. The problem is that I noticed the other day when my atv is parked and I am sitting on it I can move the handle bars a little bit. By moving them I can turn them left and right not alot but enough to wonder about. I havn't really paid attention to it on my other atvs but its just something I thought I would bring up.

 

Check your tie rod ends to make sure they are tight. If so you may have a problem in the upper steering shaft area. I had this on my 2002 rancher when I bought it. I can't recall exactly but Honda really rigged this area. No bearing just a plastic bushing if I recall. A goofy clamp system holds it on. Mine was actually very stiff. Anyway I took it apart, cleaned greased it and it's better now. I can see this plastic bushing getting worn. On the bottom there is a roller bearing. It is hard to get to, I think I had my plastic off.

Good Luck,
Rob

 

I think there was a thread here (or was it highlifter) about a nut coming loose on the bottom of the steering shaft. Might check that too.

 

Thanks for the help. I tried to tighten the nut seems to work better now. With the 4x4 its really hard to get under there. Hopefully I tightened it enough to last a ride or tow. Might end up being a every two ride fix thing. I might look into taking it to s shop for new materials. Who knows. I noticed that it seemed like the factory drilled the hole a little low. I belive I was able to get a whole five rotations out of the nut. I believe I might end up putting some loc-tite on it. Thanks for you help

 

By the way rob I posted a topic about a lift kit in here earlier. Do you happen to konw if a kift kit adds any stress to the drive shaft. I not really into putting stress on touchy parts you know

 

Yes it will. If you simply put on a lift kit that raises the syspension, and the angles of attack on the CV joints then there will be more stress. Not always on the CV but also on the bearing, inner and outer shafts. Probably no way around it.

You notice on full size trucks they usually make some sort of drop brackets to keep the OEM geometry intact. I haven't looked to see if these are made for ATV's.

Good Luck,
Rob

 

Thanks for the help. I might just go for some meatier tires.