I have a 2000 Sportsman 500. I am also on my 3rd set of tie rod ends! I don't have or ever heard of these hiem rod ends.

Glenn.

 

Floodrunner, I agree about the lubrication thing. I think '97 was the last year they had grease fittings on the tie-rod ends, but I am not positive. The ones EPI sells look stock, but have a grease fitting.

 

My Quad may very well have the Heim joint, but I didn't know it. When they were replaced, I was told the tie rod ends were gone. No mention of the heim, but they may have just used the more common term.

Glenn.

 

According to my local dealer the Heim joint became standard on the Sportsman in mid production of the 99s. So by his word and the parts book he referenced, all 2000 Sportsman should be fitted with Heim joints. It is disappointing to say the least that Glen has had to replace 3 sets. Has anyone else with 2000 SPs had the same trouble?
Dave Formstone
98 SP500 EBS

 

Dave,
I'm kinda curious, what kind of problems have you been experiencing with your tie rods, are they jsut wearing out, or are they breaking? I haven't had any problems yet.
97 sp500 with about 1600 miles

 

cHukiE, my tie-rod-ends started to wear at about 500 miles and now that I have 1000 miles on it they are quite loose. About 1" of play on the handle bars. 90% of the movement comes from the outer tie-rod-end ball joints and 10% from the inner tie-rod-end heim joints. I have checked many Polaris quads and many if not all of them had sloppy steering. I could understand the wear if I had neglected to grease them but I grease after ever trip.
Dave Formstone
98 SP500 EBS

 

Mine are wearing, not breaking.

Riding in the SNOW this weekend! Can't Wait!

Glenn.