I did 4 hours of crazy power line riding on Sunday with lots of rock climbing and my steering bushings seem shot now. Its a 2002 Sportsman 700, how hard to change the upper and lower seetings stem bushings? Do the whole front racks and upper plastics have to come off? I have read that the steering stem mounts can get bent, is that common?

Thanks

 

The front plastic has to come off,or at least lift it up to where you can pull the fuel tank back to allow the post to pull up. Steering posts are fairly easy to bend if a lot weight ends up on em or a wreck. I always replaced the bracket or had one in stock when I replaced the upper bushings. Usually the bottom flange and bearing hold up pretty well. Check the tie rod ends for wear and the tie rod shafts for any bends also. It's not that hard a job,just pull the plastic back enough to where you don't have to fight it! I just replaced a lot of steering posts and bushings over the years from kids,brother-in-law wrecks,etc OPT