Two months ago I put 26" mudrunners on my Xplorer400. I noticed that the tires were only about 1/3 of an inch from the tie rods. I had my tie rods replaced this week cus they were shot and my right tire touches the end of the rod?!?! The left tire has about 1/3 of an inch still...

Why the different spaces? What can be done? Anybody with the same problem?
Bill maybe... Thanks...

 

You can put two washers on each wheel stud and that will usually take care of the rubbing problem.

 

Thanks for the info...I spent all of last night and found a post about this. I just installed the washers (3). How much room is needed between the tie rod end and the tire? Can the washers make the nuts come loose faster? Any other problems with this set-up?

Thanks.

 

Xplor,mine are close to,and im thinking before the tie rods start to wear,I better install some spacers before bolting on the wheels.I have the newer tie rods on my 00 Xplorer,they are suppose to be the better tie rods,hopefully,I wont have to be going thru tie rods on my Xplorer like I did the Sportsman.====Bill

 

The two strut housing are different, because the tie-rods come at different heights. Look at where to tie-rods connect to the steering post, and you will see what I am talking about.

 

Its funny that most all 2000's have the new tie rods... I noticed on my Scrambler that they are the old model! The old ones on my Xplorer lasted about 2 years. I did not even know they were finished. I have had my garage for only a month now so I am begining to tinker around on my own quads now to save some $$$.

 

how do you know when tie rod ends are worn out?

 

How can you tell newer tie rods from the old?

 

From what I have experienced the tie rods are shot when there is play in the steering. When it feels loose...which it did. The newer tie rods have a rubber thingy over the end where it bolts near the wheel... My tech terms are not so great. A boot I think they call it. If I am wrong someone please correct me... Thanks

 

When your quad is parked wiggle the bars back and forth. Compare this amount of play with that of a new machine.

Quads with stock tires will wear the tie rod ends out at a slower rate than quads with large mud tires. The rockiness of the trails driven will also play a part in front end looseness.

As the tie rod ends wear the front end will become twitchier at speed. Especially if you had removed excess toe-out previously.

If the front end does not twitch, you should be okay.

In snow the quad will like to fish-tail with worn tie rod ends.