My '98 Prairie 400 4X4 was recalled for a problem with the steering knuckles fracturing when the wheels are struck while they are turned to a full-locked position, but I haven't sent it in yet for repairs. According to the recall letter, this failure can even occur at very low speeds.

Does anyone know the details on this recall? The turning circle on my Prairie is so huge, I hate to think that Kawasaki might make it even worse!

Has anyone had this warranty work performed and noticed a problem with an even larger turning circle?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

It's no big deal. They install some little rubber stoppers on your steering column at the headset to simply limit the amount of stearing movement . The rubber stoppers also add some shock adsorbsion for the steering. The problem only existed in extreme surcumstances in which a hard turn was being performed while the suspension was in a bind (big rut). As far as the turning radius goes, use a lot of body english and give it a little gas, it'll come around for ya.

 

Hey KVF400;
I bought a 99 Prairie 400 4x4 in October last year, and it already had the mod when I picked it up. Besides installing the rubber bumpers they also cut one of the steering stops off, I think the one on the right side, I'd have to go look to be sure.

CJ

 

Thanks for your replies, I guess I'll go ahead and schedule this work for my Prairie.