what do i need to loosen up my steering???

[outback450r]

my steering is really stifff what coulkd i use to loosen it up?

[Smoker]

Make sure everything is lubed. Bottom stem bearing, top mount, make sure your rod ends aren't stiff and check your top and bottom ball joints. The ball joints getting stiff means they are probably on their way out and it's never pretty to have one come apart at speed. Should be no other reason steering should be stiff unless somethings bent. Good luck.

[2001400exrida]

the ball joints don't make steering harder when they get stiff, they make the suspension harder to move.

i'm guessing your steering stem bearing is shot and it's not moving freely.

[outback450r]

alright thanks guys i guess i need a new steering stem bearing

[Smoker]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by 2001400exrida
the ball joints don't make steering harder when they get stiff, they make the suspension harder to move.

i'm guessing your steering stem bearing is shot and it's not moving freely. [/QUOTe

Steering gets stiff right before it breaks. Had a Houser do it. Had no idea it was going bad either, no play in steering or suspension and I'm picky about maintainence. Probably isn't that but check it all was my point.

[outback450r]

well i just bought a rath stem the other week and installed it so idk if that would be it

[mikey726]

Originally posted by 2001400exrida
the ball joints don't make steering harder when they get stiff, they make the suspension harder to move.

Actually, they do. What do you think lets the front wheels turn when you turn the bars? I had a ball joint come apart during a race, and the steering definitely got harder before it let go.

[TheLane]

Originally posted by 2001400exrida
the ball joints don't make steering harder when they get stiff, they make the suspension harder to move.

i'm guessing your steering stem bearing is shot and it's not moving freely.

Dont ever let this guy work on your machine lol.

[brewster426]

Def check it out before you ride again. When a balljoint decides to break at speed your bike will serve as a catapult. In turn makes you talk weird for a while when you smack your head on the ground. Let it happen once and you will understand lol. Not fun at all.