Every now and then when I'd get lite in the front end goosing the gas over a mound or the like I'd hear a clunk come from the right front side wheel well, yesterday when pushing the atv out of the way I noticed that the tie rod was real close to the tire and when I grabbed the strut by the spring and pulled in and out it would move 3/4 to 1". I plan on tearing it apart tonight when the weather cools down to see if I broke the strut cartridge so I figured to ask you guys if any of you have had this happen or is it a common thing, OR is there something else I should be checking out that might be the problem? Any tricks or other thing I should be looking at? Anyone have any suggestions or good place to purchase a set of cartridges and any opinions on the differences between regular stock hydraulic ones vs the after market gas ones? ebay wants $145. for a pair of gas ones that are supposed to be heavy duty and use the stock springs.

 

no ive never seen one broke. check around to make sure its not something else and get back to us on whats up.

 

Well got ambitious and did it this AM to beat the heat, took out the strut and once the spring was off and cartridge removed I can shake it and hear all kinds of loose parts inside rattling & I can - pardon the description - while holding the base of cartridge use a jerking off motion and the stem will wiggle side to side and fly in & out, 0 dampening/compression effect so they are definitely shot. Any input on the stock hydraulic ones vs the after market gas ones & anyone have any links or suggestions to a pair of them reasonably priced ??

 

CHECK THE TOP BUSHING, COMES LOOSE..........

 

I noticed before I took it apart that the hard plastic one under the top nut&washer was loose and had a crack in it, so I was figuring on replacing both sides bushing while I am reassembling. Any tips or tricks I ought to know about??