Bruin - some play on the steering stem
 

Hi guys,

I have just bought 2005 350 Briun 4x4 for my wife. I noticed some play on the steering stem at the upper bracket or bearing. Could you pls tell me how to fix it?
Except of that it is a great atv.

regards
Hawranek

2005 Yamaha Bruin 350 4x4 (wife, mine in winter :-) )
2004 KTM 525 EXC

Bruin - some play on the steering stem
 

hi .im guessing it might be like my wolvey.there is two plastic bushings .mine are gray they were worn out .i dont know way there are plastic .but thats my 2 cents ....later dave

Bruin - some play on the steering stem
 

your model is on recall for this problem. go to consumeraffairs.com or just google yamaha recall.

Bruin - some play on the steering stem
 

I thought that the recall was only for the tie-rod ends. I don't find any recall notices for the steering stem bushings, unless I just can't find it.

hawranek, the play you notice in the steering stem is quite common with Yamaha's, at least that's what my dealer told me. I had the exact same concern on my 2005 Kodiak 450 when I bought it brand new. I took it back to my dealer and asked them to see what they can do to get it tighter.

They did a little modifying on the stem around where those bushings are and were able to get it somewhat tighter, but it still wasn't perfect. Mine hasn't gotten much loser over the past year, but is noticeably looser than when new. When it gets to an intolerable level, I'll just put two new bushings in it (which are plastic like drac1 says), and move on.

I'm guessing Yamaha decided plastic bushings would save them some money in the build, but geesh, what a crappy compromise. A nice steel bearing in there would elimate all of this slop altogether in my opinion.

Bruin - some play on the steering stem
 

Thanks guys for your replies.
I will check these plastic bearings on the upper clamp and replace them.
It is mine first atv so I can learn a lot about it. It is nice site to get that knowledge.

Regards,
Hawranek

2005 Yamaha Bruin 350 4x4 (wife, mine in winter :-) )
2004 KTM 525 EXC (I love this orange toy ;-) )