Steering Problem

[jbragg87]

I have a 02' Sportsman 500 4x4. Sometimes while I'm driving it will jerk to the left especially when i hit a small bump. Other times the steering will just kinda lock up so I can't turn it left and I have to shake the bars to free it up. When it does jerk it sometimes makes kind of a pop sound and I can hear a little bit of a rattle under the front when it starts doing this. What problems or parts could be causing this problem?

[Bruce!]

First off, welcome to the board!

[blueline15]

possibly the bushings on the steering shaft are bad

[Smoothbassman]

Sounds like something is binding up with your steering.

Looks like you need to stand her up and start inspecting all steering components. Work it back and forth left/right and check for proper lubrication, bearings, bushings, and bent tie rods.

You definatly don't want it locking up on you on the trails.

[jbragg87]

Thanks guys, does this stuff sound like an expensive problem or are these parts generally not too bad?

[blueline15]

bushings = cheap

bearing = affordable

tie rods = expensive.

hard to tell at this point

[4getful2]

check cv boots &cv joints

[SNW629]

i would stop riding the quad till you check it out or have it checked. there was a young teen killed near me when a worn tie rod came apart and the quad flipped on top of him.the sheriff was not real happy with the parents for letting the teen ride a unsafe quad.

[Smoothbassman]

Originally Posted by SNW629

i would stop riding the quad till you check it out or have it checked. there was a young teen killed near me when a worn tie rod came apart and the quad flipped on top of him.the sheriff was not real happy with the parents for letting the teen ride a unsafe quad.

Agree. Don't ride it until you figure it out.