While doing normal trail riding, my '98 Prairie 400 4X4's steering knuckle broke!
It's the cast part that the tie rod end bolts to. It just snapped right off.
I have the extended waranty and am hoping they will cover this, but if anyone else has any related experiences, I like to hear about them in case I need ammo to beat on Kawasaki with if they choose not to cover it.
Anyone else have problems such as this??

 

Mike,

Define “normal” trail riding. The piece in question is fairly substantial. While anything is possible, I find it difficult to envision this piece simply fracturing while motoring down a smooth trail at less than breakneck speed.

However, the same thing happened to my ’96 Bayou 400 4x4. And it happened during normal (for me) trail riding. Though in my case it was a self-inflicted wound. I was riding with two friends and we were preparing to climb a fairly steep hill. Since I was familiar with the terrain, and they were not, I pointed out a small 6-inch tree stump at the outside edge of the turn approaching the hill. I cautioned them to stay to the inside of the turn. You can no doubt guess the rest.

“Watch this!” (Famous last words) I said as I headed for the hill at maximum warp. I of course went wide in the turn approaching the hill, I hit the stump with my tire or my A-arm, I heard a loud crunching sound, and I found myself hurtling diagonally off the trail and into the bushes. I instantly realized what had happened, got off the gas, and hit the brakes. I managed to back down the hill with my left front wheel flopping around like a fish out of water. My buddies were even reasonably polite. They only laughed and pointed for about 10 minutes.

Since my one friend was visiting from out of state and only had a few days to ride, I ordered the broken steering knuckle from a nearby Kawasaki dealer via overnight delivery. Thirty minutes of wrenching and $125.00 later I was back on the trail.

If I recall correctly, Kawasaki offers a six-month warranty on their quads, and you bought the extended warranty. Even if you only bought the 2-year extended warranty, you should still be well within period of coverage on your ’98 Prairie. However, proving the part failed due to use, not abuse, may be difficult. If your dealer is a “good guy” he should honor your warranty with no problems.

But as I said initially, define “normal” trail riding. What exactly were you doing when the failure occurred???

Army Man

 

It is an ATV isn't it? I bought it to go bombing down trails (although "break neck speed" is pretty subjective.
If it can't handle that same things everyone else's regular non-modified quads can do, then I guess I made a mistake in my purchase.
After two years of riding and observing others riding habits, I can honestly say that my riding style is definitely average among utility quad riders.
Hopefully I'll know tomorrow about the waranty thing.
All I can do is write to Kawasaki and bitch if they won't cover it.
Happy trails.........

------------------

 

Mike,

Whether or not you made a mistake in your purchase is equally subjective, and highly dependent on exactly what you were doing when the failure occurred.

Your reluctance to answer that question makes it impossible to speculate on the possible cause of the failure. Was it Kawasaki or you? Was it use or abuse?

There are a lot of knowledgeable folks on the forum who will gladly help you if they can. But when you post a solicitation for help with a problem, and do not provide the particulars, what is it you expect besides sympathy?

Once again, what exactly were you doing when the failure occurred???

Army Man

 

Whatever...
I'm looking for folks who've had similar break downs witht their Prairies.
I know how it broke and why it broke, I'm simply wondering if there are others out there with the same breakage problem.
Comprende'?
Looks like noone here.

 

Mikeames,
I bought an ATV for my grandson and he broke his steering just like you did. It did not last more than 2 days.I understand you don't want to be bothered with any details.
Simple answer is YES, he had same problem.
I did not have any problem with a warranty,either.
I still had the original box in the garage, lucky me.
I brought it back to the dealer , they exchanged it , no problem.
They usualy do not ask many questions at Toys R Us.