I have an 01 500H.O. and the steering is really tight as compared to the 03 and up models, does anyone know what changes they made to the steering? If so is this something that can be upgraded?

 

I have a 2000 and also noticed firends 2003 turned much easier. I found lots of play in my steering also so I replaced the upper and lower busshings with the HotSeat Performance products. This tightened up the shaft, but I still need to do the tie rod ends to completely remove the play. Tire preasure and type of tyre plays a big part in how the steering feels, put in more and it gets easier, less it is a bear. It seams to me that it plays a bigger part with the pre-2003s. Also there are four grease zerks to fill with grease that help steering, two on the outer hubs on the bottom of the hubs near where the tie rods atttach and two on the steering shaft one down low and one up high. Do not try to put grease in the brakes! It looks just like a zerk :-)

Good luck,
Steve

 

I might be wrong, but I think they went to ball bearings in the steering shaft instead of needle bearings (that is what I was told anyway). Don't know if there is an upgrade or not to the new style or not.

Hope this helps,