i have a 98 sp500 and im starting to get a little wiggle in the handlebars. i know its not the wheel bearings, but i think it has something to do with the tie rod ends. ok, i can turn the whole tie rod foward and backward about an 1/8 of a turn. it moves the the whole works, not just the shaft. i heard that after a some abuse they get shot. ive always kept them greased. thanks a head of time.

 

I would replace them and go ahead and upgrade to the 2001 ends, they fit fine and are alot better. Also check the bearing at the bottom of your steering arm, they go bad and need replaced also. Change this out for the 2001 model, as above it fits fine and is much better. Let me know if you need more help.

Scott [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]
99 Scrambler 500 4x4

 

Do you know how much this costs and can it be done by myself or do i need to take it to the shop? i think im going to tough it out during the winter then replace it in the spring when i change the oil. also, what would make the tie rod ends wear out quickly?

 

Both jobs are easy and will take you about 1-1.5 hours to do them both. As far as price goes, I'm not exactly sure, it's been awhile since I replaced mine.

Scott

 

Polaris tie rod ends are junk.I replaced 4 sets on my 99 Sportsman and im on my 5th set on my 00 Xplorer.The newer tie rods[2001]are SUPPOSE to be alot better?I dont know,I have'nt tried them yet.

They are very easy to replace.If you can pump your own gas,you can do this yourself.

Bill

 

I used to have a 98 Sportsman and the tie-rod-ends were toast after only 500 miles. I refuse to replace junk with the same junk cos the result will be the same. The cost of P rod ends here is $32 CAD.
My answer was to buy commercial grade Hiem joinsts.
Some time ago I wrote a procedure of kinds so if you are interested I'll send it to you. Let me know.

 

Be sure to be lubing them. I pull the rubber back and give them a shot of Tri-flow. Any spray lube, or grease helps them last by displacing the h2o. Maintenance, maintenance, maintenance.

Ken

 

When you replace them be sure to upgrade to the new Hiem style. MUCH better than the old style, but not sure if equal to the industrial ones Traildog put in, but come in a bolt-on upgrade kit that is easy for anyone to do, and you don't have to go parts chasing.
It could also be the center steering stem bushing, if that is loose, replace with the metal one, not the plastic. HPD makes a good one for the older bikes (If your bike is old enough, the new Polaris bearing may not fit). A very straightforward process, but one made MUCH easier if you have a Dremel tool or a right-angle drill.

 

just had the tie rods(old style)replaced on my expedition to the new style..the new style outer tie rod is the same as the ones they`ve been using for inner tie rods and they are typical hiem joints not the old ball and socket..when was the last time you heard someone asking about replacment ends for the inners ??? i think the new style will hold up much longer,also as said before,when i grease my quad i also have needle type end for my grease gun,i slip that up into the rubber and push out the crap..when you go to buy the new style ends buy them seperately,dont buy the kits,i have heard the kit is more than if you buy the nuts bolts tie rods seperately..i had mine done under warranty so i dont know if this is true..

 

Farmr123,
do you have a part number for the new style tie rod ends?I think they come stock on my Xplorer and im still wearing them out.I just want to be certain that the Heim style TR is NOT what I have now before I order a set.

Bill