[bassman]

My predator is only about 3 weeks old and I just got finished setting it up the way I wanted so I headed to the Beverly Sand Dunes in Washington. Unloaded the bikes and did about 3 runs up the pathetic little comp hill there and when I was turning around at the top, My bike flipped and I went flying. I estimate speed at 25 mph and steering turned sharp right. When I got up and flipped my bike back over I noticed the front wheels were pointing different directions.
the left ball joint snapped about 2 threads out from the ball. (I have digital photos of it if anyone wants to see the pics I will email them to you.)

I got it fixed under warranty for free, but it is scary to think how easily it broke. I checked my 400ex and the ball joints/tie rods are much beefier on it.
Has anyone else had this happen? does anyone know of any aftermarket steering parts? I lost some confidence in this front end due to this and I'd like to get it back...

 

[predator03]

Yep, some of the earlier models had this problem. I had mine replaced. You really should have had some warning. My steering was VERY loose until I got the ball joints replaced. I can't imagine them getting to the point where they break. Glad you weren't hurt.

 

[powerslider]

If it broke in the threaded portion of the stud it may have been overtighted and stretched/weakened. The tapered part of the stud should take the load. Replace them all and make sure they get torqued to proper specs. I replaced the left side joints before I rode the quad at all, they were loose from day one. After a good weekend ride the rights are also loose, they have been ordered for almost a month now, still waiting. Make sure the hole in the spindle is not ovaled out or damaged also which would indicate the stud was loose in the spindle.

 

[bassman]

What did you guys replace them with? was this a warranty or did you pay for it? The one that the dealer put on came from another predator out of a crate, he just removed it gave it to me and then ordered a new one for that bike, maybe the new one is bad too. how do I check my ball joints to test them and see if they are bad? thanks, Gary

 

[powerslider]

Mine were/are warrantied through my Polaris dealer, supposedly these are better quality but I am not sure about that. I do know that the ones replaced are still tight after some ride time while the others have gotten loose. Jack up the front and let the wheels hang free, grab the tire at the 12 and 6 oclock position and try to move it in/out, up/down. You'll feel the slop and see it also in the joints themselves, it's very obvious.

 

[red121572]

Mine also need replacing. Its not the steering is loose, its because the rubber boots have unseated themselves.

 

[chickenboy]

My pred was made in March '03 and I haven't seen a single issue w/ the ball joints. It sucks that yours broke so easily. The vast majority of my running is woods with roots are like slaming into brick walls. The pro steering does have a chance against this stuff. I've found the bars ripped out of my hands w/ the force of hitting some of this stuff and have yet to find any problems.

 

[nccracing]

Same as Kevin S said. My pred has been through some nasty stuff but no problems.I have nailed some mean rocks and a few trees thinking I broke something. When I checked, No problems.. Bullit proof in my eyes.

 

[bassman]

I dont think a jarring will break these its just the amount of force I hade behind mine. I was turning sharp at 25 mph so when the front end dug in it put the force of 600lbsX25mph on that joint thats why it broke.

 

[bassman]

I tried to upload pics to my profile but they show up as red X's. does anyone have any advice on how to fix this, I would like to put other pics of my predator up there also....

 

[bassman]

OK, The pics are uploaded if you are interested.click on my profile to see...

 

[chickenboy]

Has anyone had to buy the ball joints outright? I'm curious as to what they cost. It may be an item I want to pack in the event of a problem.

 

[marlboro80]

the ball joints are around 40 bucks a piece. at least thats what my dealer told me!

 

[bassman]

The ball joint was $26.00.

 

[quad-style]

As a matter of interest the only trouble I had with my front end was the breaking of the bolt that holds the tie rod..! When you in a big fourth gear slide that equals alot of hurt and a bent frame...! Anyone else had problems like this?? My bike was only out on it's second proper ride?

 

[jsyi]

Do you guys know which months had these problems witht eh balljoints or if its just a problme with all of em?