Joined
·
8,865 Posts
Well, as stated I have an '08 Standard 50" RZR with a little over 3000 miles. I ride the old girl pretty hard here in Colorado, and the last RZR Forum Ride at Taylor Park took its toll. When I returned home I knew I had bad brakes and blown shocks. I proceeded to replace the brakes and found them worn into the Metal part of the pad to the point of almost breaking off the mounting ears. WOW what a shock!
I also noticed the L/F bearing was bad as well so I pulled the left front side apart. What a mess! Well you would think that would be all wrong BUT when pulling it all apart I realized the Ball Joints were smoked as well. Like I said, Lots of hard riding for me.
I ordered new Bearings all around(Might as well replace the rears while I am at it). plus new Ball Joints from American Star Manufacturing. I payed $97 and change for all 4 bearings. and around $94 for all 4 Ball joints plus a little shipping on Monday. They arrived Today(Thursday) a day early. Gotta love it!!
I went out to the Garage tonight and replaced the L/F assy. and it went pretty well. The Ball Joints didnt want to come out but after a little penetrating lube and a BFH, they popped out. The new ones went in without a hitch. One thing I noticed with the Ball Joints is they have a "taller" end than stock. Not Higher, just more beef at the end. I like them. They seem well built. The bearings also seem well built and have plenty of grease in them.
WOW what a difference on the ground. The wheel stands straight up now, and I realized my toe is WAY off with the new Ball Joints. The old ones were so sloppy that I didnt notice how bad it had got. The right side should be just as bad when I replace it tomorrow.
Total time for me to do the Left side to include teardown, Beating out the old bearing, Replacing the brakes, Ball Joints and installing the new bearing and then re-assembly was around 2 1/2- 3 hours. I have never done this before on a RZR and did not have the propper tools for the bearing removal and install. I used a large Cresent wrench in the center to pound on to remove the old one. I then used the old race to install the new set with a BFH again. It went well.
Guys, If you have a problem with your allignment and you ride hard, Replace the Ball Joints!! The factory ones dont hold up. While your at it,if you ride in alot of water the Bearings might be toast as well. My inner side was all but siezed up! For the price I payed it was money well spent!
I will post up some pictures tomorrow when i take on the other side. The rears will have to wait till after the weekend. I have a Gunshow to work.
I also noticed the L/F bearing was bad as well so I pulled the left front side apart. What a mess! Well you would think that would be all wrong BUT when pulling it all apart I realized the Ball Joints were smoked as well. Like I said, Lots of hard riding for me.
I ordered new Bearings all around(Might as well replace the rears while I am at it). plus new Ball Joints from American Star Manufacturing. I payed $97 and change for all 4 bearings. and around $94 for all 4 Ball joints plus a little shipping on Monday. They arrived Today(Thursday) a day early. Gotta love it!!
I went out to the Garage tonight and replaced the L/F assy. and it went pretty well. The Ball Joints didnt want to come out but after a little penetrating lube and a BFH, they popped out. The new ones went in without a hitch. One thing I noticed with the Ball Joints is they have a "taller" end than stock. Not Higher, just more beef at the end. I like them. They seem well built. The bearings also seem well built and have plenty of grease in them.
WOW what a difference on the ground. The wheel stands straight up now, and I realized my toe is WAY off with the new Ball Joints. The old ones were so sloppy that I didnt notice how bad it had got. The right side should be just as bad when I replace it tomorrow.
Total time for me to do the Left side to include teardown, Beating out the old bearing, Replacing the brakes, Ball Joints and installing the new bearing and then re-assembly was around 2 1/2- 3 hours. I have never done this before on a RZR and did not have the propper tools for the bearing removal and install. I used a large Cresent wrench in the center to pound on to remove the old one. I then used the old race to install the new set with a BFH again. It went well.
Guys, If you have a problem with your allignment and you ride hard, Replace the Ball Joints!! The factory ones dont hold up. While your at it,if you ride in alot of water the Bearings might be toast as well. My inner side was all but siezed up! For the price I payed it was money well spent!
I will post up some pictures tomorrow when i take on the other side. The rears will have to wait till after the weekend. I have a Gunshow to work.