How hard is to change the front strut in a 2003 Sportsman 700? MY buddie says his feels like its bottoming out when he hits a decent size bump. Dont know whether to go the used whole assembly or just change the cartridge.

Thanks

 

If its bottoming out it probably just a blown or leaking strut cartridge,especially if any oil is accumulated at the cartridge top OR the atv bounces up and down when you push down on the front end! Just replace the cartridges! (I would do BOTH if mine,not just one!)Also springs can get a little soft,but usually just the cartridges go first! OPT

 

it's not that hard to change. you can read my "homemade spring spacer" sticky on the ask an expert section to get some pointers.

 

Hello Stendori, I read your expert thread, very good info. On the 02 500 did you have to remove the plastics up front or just unbolt the strut from the frame/front rack and lower it down and swing it out from under the fender well? So you didn't have to unbolt the CV axle from the strut holder? Who did you go with for the strut cartridges?

Thanks

 

the thread actually covers my 2 800's that i had and did the spacers w/ w/the front storage box off. i did take the front plastic off as i was doing a major cleaning/insection anyways and it might be easier but i would try it w/ out taking it off first. i didn't replace the struts as mine wasn't bad so can't help w/ that one. no i didn't have to take cv off to drop down the strut once i unbolted it. i did how ever put a jack under the ball joint to make sure it didnt go too far and pulll the joint apart. the good thing w/ the 500 vs the newer modles i didn't even have to use a strap to compress the spring as the strut needs to be unbolted form the bike then take the unscrew the inner nut off to release the spring from the housing.