I find my 650 hard to steer. I am wondering if i bent something or something is worn out or am i just getting weak. anyone have similar problem?

 

I have ridden 4 different 650's (3-'02s and my new '03)and all steer the same, which is easy. However, when the differential lock is applied, they steer like a tank!

Good Luck

 

I wonder if a locked differential has any effect in 2wd

 

Negatory, it is my understanding that it only locks the front end, and is only applicable in 4wd.

 

I also find my 650 hard to steer in 2wd when compared to other 4x4’s. I don’t remember it being this hard when I first bought it.

 

Wheel spacing makes it harder to steer. This is more prevalent on Macpherson struts than double wishbones.

the visco lock makes it harder to steer (doesn't matter if in 2x4 or 4x4), so if you put higher viscosity oil in the front diff, you made it really hard to turn. The front diff is always turning, and the differential plates are always resisting steering. Try the diff lock while turing, (be careful) you will see it works even in 2x4.

Someone also said you have to grease the steering shaft. I haven't looked into that.
Someone else said to lube the upper strut mount. I haven't looked into that either.

 

I recently bought my wife and identical 650, after she kept riding mine everywhere we went, mine is just over a year old (first one out of the dealership) and the only other difference is a warn 2500 winch. I have noticed hers sits almost a half inch higher in the front and steers much easier than mine, it is either the jumping that has worn the front shocks or the weight of the winch that is making the front shocks squat, or both. I am looking into the upgraded springs for the front shocks, which were mentioned by most of that mags that testrode that 650 as one of the things they would do to stiffen the frontend, I am also getting ready to tackle the frontend alignment nyroc shows on his site. Be warned most dealers dont know what you are talking about when you call for the front springs so it may take some research and patience.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

check tires, and front ball joints. Mine still steers easy but it got hard before the ball joints went. Also a friend bent his rear axle and it made it hard to steer straight while speeding up.

 

I belief nyroc to be correct in the ease of steering between Macpherson struts and double wishbone type steering. A couple of days ago I was riding with a friend of mine who has a new Griz. We decided to trade rides for a few miles to see what he thought. My first impression of his Grizz was how easy the steering was compared to my 650. However when I was givener down the trail this turned out to be a down fault as the steering seemed to wander and felt very washy compaired to mine.
He ,however, had a hard time removing his helmet after we had stopped as he couldn't remove the large grin off his face. When he did get his helmet off the only thing he said was "I'm selling my Grizz. Your 650 handles like it's on a rail and I can't belief the power this thing has."
So even though the hard steering is a pain in tight spots the benefits far out weigh the inconvenience.
R.

 

The soft stock dumflops made mine hard to steer. Do you have stock tires.