It seems like I bent my pitman arm (the piece of metal that connects the steering stem to the tie-rods) on the raptor. I guess all those trees are bad for the front end. I was wondering if anyone else has ever done this and what they did to fix it? I noticed some old posts about this, but nobody ever responded. I was thinking about trying to bend it back since I can't seem to find any on ebay. I really don't want to go to the stealership and get robbed again. I already had to buy a new spark plug cap from them for $26. Is there any thing aftermarket that I can get, like a steering stem that comes with one or something? Thanks.

 

Houser racing has been advertising in the ATV magazines recently that makes replacement ones and also ones with adjustable steering travel. $40 for standard or $75 for adjustable. I don't know how much a stock Yamaha one is. I bent mine and the shop fixed it for me. They put it in a vise, heated it with a torch till it was glowing and then bent it back straight. It has held up for almost 2 years now. It is just cast iron, I believe, so this should not hurt its durability. Good Luck

RR1

 

Ive got a pitman arm....brand new, just laying around [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

I bent mine before. Seems like the tie rod end should bend first, the pitman is a honkin piece of metal.

 

Thanks for the replies. RR1, where could I get some prices for those pitman arms by houser? I am not sure if I would be able to bend it back the right amount or not. So I figure I mind as well get a new one.

 

Try Houser's website. They have them listed for $40 for the non-adjustable ones. Google "Houser ATV Racing" or give 'em a call at

1-877-6-GOFAST

Also check the April edition of Dirt Wheels, page 222 for the ad. Good luck.

RR1

 

I will be sure to check out their site. Thanks again for the info.

 

How do you remove the ball joints from the pitman arm? They seem to be stuck.

thanks,

DAle

 

i bent mine too...i bent my tie rode and the pitman...i replaces my tie rod and i had play in my handelbars so i got a new pitman and i still have play in my steering...i think it might be my bushings or my stearing collem.....ne idea what would cause this?

 

Tighten the nut on the bottom of the pitman. It sounds loose. use locktite.