UTV steering wobble or wander: tie rods, ball joints and toe
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Applies to: Linhai T-Boss, Tracker 800SX and all side-by-sides
Symptoms
- Front end shakes at speed
- Wanders or darts on the trail
- Uneven front tire wear
Why it happens
Worn tie rod ends, ball joints or wheel bearings let the wheels move, and toe out of spec makes the machine wander.
How to fix it
- Jack up the front and rock each wheel at 3-9 and 12-6 o'clock.
- Have a helper turn the wheel while you watch tie rod ends for play.
- Replace worn parts.
- Set toe to the manual spec.
Tools and parts
- Jack and stands
- Tie rod ends or ball joints
- Tape measure for toe
What the factory service manual covers
Steering and suspension: toe spec, ball joint and tie rod replacement, torques. The full procedure, specs and wiring diagrams are in the factory service manual for your machine.