New to the 400. Question about play in steering.

[01exrider87]

Hey guys this is my first post here. I just got a 2001 400ex for relatively cheap. Only real things I found wrong with it were it needed a new battery, Most likely a clutch cable, it is pretty tight and from lurking on here for a bit it seems like it is a common problem.

The other thing i also noticed is there is a bit of play in the steering. Not a ton and you cant really notice it when you riding but when at a stop you can move the bars left and right before the wheels move. Is this a common problem with the ex's?

I am not too familiar with the steering on these. It almost looks to me like it could either be comming from the bottom of the shaft like where a busing could be or from the tie rods. If anyone has and experience with this problem and could tell me where to start it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[jasonanderson1]

m friend has the same problem, i believe it means you need new a arm joints some where.

[tri5ron]

most likely you just need to replace your tie-rod ends.
pretty common.
pretty cheap on ebay.

[Ryan'07400ex]

Originally posted by tri5ron
most likely you just need to replace your tie-rod ends.
pretty common.
pretty cheap on ebay.

Make sure you fix the it, its alot of trouble to keep a popped off end on with no zip ties with 3 miles to the house. ha

[slightlybent47]

Try to tighten them up first. they may just be loose. If that don’t work they may need replacing.

And welcome to the fourm:D :D :D

[gtt416ex]

your steering stem bearing could cause some play in the steering if its bad.

[siggy konowaluk]

mine has play too but i think mine is the steering stem baring. im gonna look into getting a new baring and see what else needs to be done.

[01exrider87]

Thanks for the info guys. Will definitly look into all of those things mentioned.

[rooster300ex]

Wiggle the bottom of the steering stem to see if there is any play there. Tighten your tie rod ends on the spindles and steering stem. I bet your tie rods ends are wore out or loose. Don't forget the cotter pins and I always put alil loc tite on mine so they don't come loose. Oh yea if u have to replace the steering stem bearing. You have to take the c-clip out before u can knock the bearing out from the bottom up towards the quad.