My 2006 450 Kodiak automatic 4x4 has incredibly stiff steering, that requires a lot of force to turn especially on downhill trails. When I go to 4wd mode it is a bit stiffer, and when it is in locked diff mode it is rediculous. On level ground it is not bad, it is not like it is binding at all, it almost seems like the front end alignment is way off and is fighting me when I try to turn it and wants to stay straight.

I have not ridden a lot of other ATV's, but when I compare it to my other Much lighter 2wd Honda Recon, the steering on that is like a feather compared to the muscling required to turn the Kodiak.

Is this normal that the steering is supposed to be so stiff in normal 2WD mode or is it possible something is wrong?

 

Hello Live2shift, I have an 2007 450 Grizzly 4x4, which I think is the same bike basically and the steering in 2WD is not that stiff at all, and just a little stiffer in 4WD but as you say in locked diff mode it is a beast to steer this thing. I would maybe have it checked out, could be out of alignment. Just my 02 cents. Take care.

 

Check your steering rod bushing, it may need greasing, a lot of 700 riders are replacing it with a greaseable one from OMI Products.

http://omiproducts.com/Steerin...m%20Mount%20Yamaha.htm

 

I will check out eh bushing, but It is not stiff under normal steering, only when the going gets tough. It seems like an alignment thing? What are the 700 guys going to that bushing?

 

They are replacing the stock bushing with the OMI one,so it can be kept greased without disassembly. The OMI bushing fits all Yamaha quads.

Make sure you keep the tie rods greased too. Mud and gunk can make them hard to turn.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: HeftyLefty

Check your steering rod bushing, it may need greasing, a lot of 700 riders are replacing it with a greaseable one from OMI Products.



http://omiproducts.com/Steerin...m%20Mount%20Yamaha.htm</end quote></div>

Cool!! My steering stem is loose because the OEM bushing is wearing.. and there is "chatter" in the stem... I could get it fixed under warranty... but eventually the same problem is going to occur. I might as well get one of these OMI steering bushings -- looks like a nice product!

My Grizz 450 steers easily.... steers good in 4wd, but harder in Diff-Lock mode for obvious reasons... you no longer have differential action in the front end... both tires getting the EXACT Same amount of power... hence the reason it is difficult to steer..

 

Steve, that is exactly what it feels like! It feels like the diff is kind of locked all the time. Is there any way to check for that?

I only run 4.5 PSI , could this be the issue??

 

It could be stuck in Diff lock... that is pretty easy to figure out... with the quad not running and the front-end off the ground.. the front wheels should turn freely in opposite directions... now if you are Stuck in Diff-lock then both tires will turn together in the same direction.

Let us know how you make out!

Link to the manual if you haven't seen it from other posts I have made..

Manual

http://www.savefile.com/files/74511

The link for the manual works but sometimes you just need to work it a bit...


1. Click the link in the Message
2. Scroll down to the Section in the BLUE Box that says "05-06 Kodiak 450" and Click "DOWNLOAD FILE"
3. Your download SHOULD start...

IF NOT

4. Scroll down to the Bottom.... where you will see
" Your download should begin shortly.
If it does not, try <u>Download file now</u> "


That should do the trick [img]i/expressions/beer.gif[/img] [img]i/expressions/beer.gif[/img] [img]i/expressions/beer.gif[/img]