Steering Stem Play

[madracing]

The bottom of steering stem call “Steering Shaft Ball Joint” is absolutely a weak area on the KFX450. I went through (4) of them so far. I am working of a fix but its going to be a little complicated because unfortunately the piece is not rebuildable so I am having it machined to except a floating bearing. Have any of you had any issue with yours?

RJ

# 59266-0026 STEERING SHAFT JOINT-BALL 1 - $81.22

[madracing]

No one had any issues with steering stem play" ? If you check you may be surprised how bad it is.

[tscracing]

QUOTE (madracing @ May 27 2008, 09:15 AM)

No one had any issues with steering stem play" ? If you check you may be surprised how bad it is.

Mine is starting to have some play. Seems to get worse after every ride.

[carfanatic]

mines new so haven't notied yet. It does turn super easy compared to my old raptor 350 and friends ltz400. is the play side to side or up and down?

[madracing]

QUOTE (CarFanatic @ May 28 2008, 03:15 PM)

mines new so haven't notied yet. It does turn super easy compared to my old raptor 350 and friends ltz400. is the play side to side or up and down?

Up and down... it's like a heim joint and when you land hard it smashes down creating play. Heim joints are not designed to handle downward force and this is a very poor design.

[carfanatic]

o... not good. haven't noticed it yet, but would definatly be interested in a fix.

[demonquad]

QUOTE (madracing @ May 18 2008, 03:22 PM)

The bottom of steering stem call “Steering Shaft Ball Joint” is absolutely a weak area on the KFX450. I went through (4) of them so far. I am working of a fix but its going to be a little complicated because unfortunately the piece is not rebuildable so I am having it machined to except a floating bearing. Have any of you had any issue with yours?

RJ

# 59266-0026 STEERING SHAFT JOINT-BALL 1 - $81.22

I have side to side play as well as up and down play. I have pulled the steering stem and inspected the joint. all apears good, but there is still play when put back together. I have not yet replaced the joint, is there an aftermarket joint that would replace the piece of sh@# stock one?