have about 150 miles on 2000 sp500, noticed the steering is getting loose? As I just sit on it, and turn their is play about 4-5 degrees, what can be loose to cause that? The large nut at the end of the steering rod looks tight and still has a cotter pin through it. WHAT TO DO?

 

The bushing on the bottom of the steering stem is worn. The bushing is made out of plastic and does not last very long. You can replace it with a brass bushing from HPD racing and it will last longer.

 

My bushing went out rather early too. Whatever you do, dont get a stock one to replace it. Get the brass HPD one he mentioned, $35. Its real easy to replace. Check your upper orange one while your at it.

 

While you are at it, take a look at the tie-rod-ends too, they are prone to wear very early too. You might want to check the posts made approx. 1 month ago regarding replacing tie-rod-ends with heavy-duty Heim rod ends.
Good luck.

 

Install Honda suspension parts,copycat.

 

150 miles?? is it steering or may it be just a handlebar?? There is a clamp/4 bolts/ holding it in place, check that,too.

 

I have around 500 miles of extreme riding on my bike, and no sloppiness of that lower bushing. However, I grease mine with Mobil 1 synthetic grease after every mud ride. That plastic bushing with hold up a long time if lubricated properly. If you do replace with the one from HPD, keep it greased and it should last the remaining life of the bike.

 

I’d check both the tie rod ends and the steering bushing, although I’ve been through many tie rod ends in 3100 miles on my ’99 SP500 and have had no problems with the steering bushing. The tie rod end troubles seem to be happening to those who ride certain types of terrain, although they’re very wide spread.

 

A point was made about the type of terain causing tie rod end replacment. or steering bushing, what type would that be? Up here people never have to replace them. I also don't see allot of lift kits or huge tires either on quads. We ride on trails and dirt roads, some mud if you want to seek it out. Not overly mountainous. I have not talked to one person yet who has had to have anything replaced. They could be lying, but maybe it is just the type of terrain, after market add-ons and/or riding style?

 

I can answer that question for you. I primarily ride as you, on sand trails and roads, woods, and occasionally log hopping. I had about 600 miles on my bike, and the rod ends had no play. I went to the ATV Jamboree in Hurley, Wi. over memorial weekend. There was one trail (we always seemed to return to ),that was littered with rock. Plenty big enough to hit your 'smash plates'. I aquired a few dings to my wheels and undercarriage. After 300 miles there, I now have noticable play in the rod ends. Also, my brakes were still in descent shape, but are now in need of replacement. I believe that was due to the mud, however I did use the brakes quite a bit dodging rocks. hehe
I am not easy on my ride either. The terrain there is just not as forgiving as it is where I live, and ride.
The last days ride in Hurley, I jokingly said "I'll have to replace my rod ends, and brakes". Well, no joke.

Brian