I noticed last night as I was doing my Spring greasing of everything that the front ball joints are bad. One side is really sloppy. I can move the wheel quite a bit from side to side and I can see the area where the ball joint is really really loose. I was hoping to ride this weekend but I am wondering what other potential damage would be caused if I ride with faulty ball joints...(not to say that there isn't already other damage). I have the parts ordered but they won't be available until after the weekend..

thanks.

If you ask, I ordered the EPI heavy duty ball joints. They were $28.95 on amazon which is about the same cost as the standard ball joints from the dealership...

 

Worn out ball joints are just an accident waiting to happen. If they're just a little loose,probably ok to ride slow on easy terrain,but if they separate can be nasty if at a high speed. I've see all kinds if wreck jobs hauled into the shop in trailers and tow trucks.Some of the guys were banged up a bit.If in doubt leave it in the garage or shed until the new ones arrive.

 

Yeah. it breaks my heart to have to borrow a different machine but we were planning an ice fishing run on the MN/Canada border. Last thing I need is a broken down atv in Canada on a frozen lake 15 miles from civilization.

One side the ball joint is clearly shot. there is enough play that it almost can rub on the front spring...

trying to convince the wife that I need something new.LOL

 

Good luck on that one.. Every time I mentioned getting some thing new I'd get the same old response: "I'm glad I don't have any expensive hobbies or we'd be broke..