I hear so much about people talking about tie rods, but whatbexactly are they, from what i understand so far they have something to do with teh steering, and everyone says polaris' have peoblems with tehm, what is happening?

PLease Explain

 

Tie rods are the rods that connect the steering stem to the strut housing. They make the struts turn when you turn the bars. The outer joints are the multi-position joints that actually connects the rod to the strut. The inner connects the rod to the steering stem. The trouble with the joints(the older ball & socket type)is that they are not sealed form water and mud very well. The older ones can be identified but only having a nut on the bottom side. The newer(heim joint style) have a bolt that goes thru the joint and strut housing,so you would have a bolt head on top and a nut on the bottom. I'd reccommend packing the newer one with grease to try and keep the water out. Just use a needle type greaser to fill the boot from the rod side.