I've read alot of posts about this infernal bushing. It seems to me that the slop in my steering (after only 4 mos) is in the aluminum rivets that mount the bushing. If I make the dealer fix this will he just put in the same stinkin' rivets??

 

Ask your dealer if it could be replaced with the new bearing style that Polaris now uses.(if it fits or can be fitted)Otherwise I would spend the time and money and install an aftermarket aluminum/bronze unit. It takes about 1 1/2hrs and costs around $35.

 

I would ask the dealer if you buy the upgraded part, would he install it free of charge under warranty.

 

I have a 99 and 00 trailblazer. The 00 has the least time on it and its steering is loose. I plan on drilling out the rivets myself and installing fluted machine screws and nylon lock nuts. If this fixes the problem I'll do the 99!!!

 

My dealer changed the rivets for two bolts on my Xplorer last week. It seems much better now. Not as good as the HPD one though...maybe just an impression.

Brian

 

Get the alloy bush from HPD. Comes with different mounting bolts, and works a treat.

Also get rid of the castle nut on the bottom of the stearing stem, and replace it with a Nylock. This will get of this problem for you.

The Joka
400Scram

 

unclemuck,
Make dang sure it's the steering column bushing, and not tie-rod ends or something. I have a '96 SP500 and put in an aluminum/bronze one (from HPD) and it took me ALOT longer than 1-1/2hrs...more like 2 days. Reason being, the original was put in with rivets...no problem, just punch the heads off...but the bolts that go with the aftermarket are too big to fit in the original holes. Unless you're going to take the ENTIRE machine apart, you gotta have a right-angle drill. I had to borrow one the next day.
Here comes the pisser.....the original one, while made out of plastic, was in fine shape (remember '96). I wouldn't do it just for the sake of it (like I did).

PS- there's an alamite high-up on the column under the plastic hood. Be sure the bolts are tight and it's greased every once in a while.

 

You can replace the rivets with bolts, but the plastic will wear anyway long term. If you have it apart, you are better off just replacing the whole thing with an aluminum one. I have a HotSeat and it's great.

 

does anyone have the website for HPD???

 

hpd-inc.com