P500 Steering wheel off

[RoadGator916]

I remember seeing a post on this in the past but I could not locate it so any help would be appreciated. I hit a rock with my front right tire and I think there is a small bend in the bracket on the wheel (where the steering rod connects behind the front wheel). Please excuse my lack of knowledge on the actual names of the parts. After it occurred the left tire appears to have a slight turn more then the right and the steering wheel is no longer straight. Is this something I should address immediately or can it wait? Also, if I don't replace or the bracket behind the wheel, how do I get the steering wheel back to straight? Or is this an alignment issue, like it would be in a car?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Admin]

 

[trigger]

If you bent the tie rod you should replace it. You can straighten the wheels out and drive it that way but it may handle funny and not want to hold alignment. Pull the machine forward so the front tires are sitting on something slippery, grass, gravel or sand, just so the front tires will move without binding too bad. Turn your steering wheel until it's straight and then look at the wheel alignment. Loosen the jam nut on the tie rod and make your adjustment, same for the other side ensuring that the steering wheel stays straight. You can use measurements, string, straight edges...however you choose just make sure you are dead straight or slightly toed in, then cinch up the jam nuts.

 

[906UP]

I will use a couple straight edges (2x4's) attached to the front tires with bungy cords or ratchet straps, then you can measure in front & behind the tires with a tape and set the front side about an eighth inch less than the rear. This will make it go nice & straight. Too much toe in and it will plow, too much toe out and it will be twitchy.

 

[RoadGator916]

Thanks Fellas. I have not got around to looking at it yet but will soon!!

 

[JWB]

I remember seeing a post on this in the past but I could not locate it so any help would be appreciated. I hit a rock with my front right tire and I think there is a small bend in the bracket on the wheel (where the steering rod connects behind the front wheel). Please excuse my lack of knowledge on the actual names of the parts. After it occurred the left tire appears to have a slight turn more then the right and the steering wheel is no longer straight. Is this something I should address immediately or can it wait? Also, if I don't replace or the bracket behind the wheel, how do I get the steering wheel back to straight? Or is this an alignment issue, like it would be in a car?

Thanks for your help!

Check all the front control arm mounts, but the top rear mounts in particular. They may be bent, or starting to tear away from the frame, as they are poorly secured or supported in that area. The fact that your steering wheel is no longer centered says there is something definitely bent. I ignored mine until it broke, and fortunately I was very close to my truck and trailer, cuz I had to drive backwards out of the woods, stopping to kick the driver-side wheel straight every 10ft or so
Here's what I did to reinforce mine: