My father in law flipped my V over yesterday bending the steering stem and dash all the way back to the seat. It appears that I might be able to just replace the stem after straightening the fame portion that secures the stem. I'm sure plenty of you guys have had this problem before. What method of straightening should I pursue to ensure a strong frame? I'd prefer to do it my self if possible, but I'm not much of a frame guy. Any low cost suggestions?
Bent Steering Stem
1 - 17 of 17 Posts
Joined
·
18,825 Posts
it takes quite a bit to straighten them.....you need two very secure objects, like trees or vehicles to strap it to. Strap the rear to one and then I've used a 4" ratchet strap to the top of the steering hoop and start cranking the strap in....it works best to run the strap on the hoop to something kinda high, like a tree, so it's about 90 degrees on the hoop, if it doesn't want to move, smacking the back side of the hoop with a sledge while under tension will usually get it to move
I've had to do this several times now
I've had to do this several times now
Thanks. I have a comealong ratchet for pulling fencing tight. This may work. I'll probably weld in some home made gussets for strength. I'm guessing that the back and forth bending of the frame has weakened the steel. Did you strengthen your frame after bending it monkey?
Joined
·
18,825 Posts
many do reinforce the hoop with gussets, I haven't. I bent the hoop on my 04 several years ago and it's been fine....lol, hopefully you only bend them once, if you find you are having to straighten them out often, ummm...... I would find another hobby:lol:
Good, It sounds like a simple fix. Hopefully I won't have to do this again. Just gotta keep the father-in-law off of it. The V is just a lot more machine than his KFX400, apparently. Now I've got to get a steering stem, bars, front fenders & air box cover.
Joined
·
1,629 Posts
I bought a wrecked 04 V a few years ago and never did get around to straightening the hoop. I didn't realize how bad it was until I added new plastics and a TrailTech handlebar mount. I had to trim the plastics a little to clear the mount when turning. Other than that, I never had a problem. However, if i was going to take everything off the frame, I'd probably straighten it and gusset the hoop and frame. I didn't because this is just a spare quad. It has been rolled twice without any other damage (at lease to the steering :lol
Joined
·
8,111 Posts
ZMann is looking for a bent stem..
I'm sure he would take it off your hands..
http://www.kawieriders.com/forum/wanted/91921-bent-junk-steering-stem.html
I'm sure he would take it off your hands..
http://www.kawieriders.com/forum/wanted/91921-bent-junk-steering-stem.html
I used a 6" bottle jack to straighten mine, take the airbox off, put the jack against the crossmember behind the carbs. use a block of wood to fill the gap between the jack and the hoop and away you go. Mine straightened very easy, I actually went about 1/2 an inch to far but it makes the bars sit a little higher and forward so its all good.
Joined
·
8 Posts
I'm having a problem where it's incredibly hard to turn my bars. Took everything apart checked all kinds of crap on the front end and couldn't figure it out. Then I noticed the stem has a slight bend in it. didbthe stem being bent cause yours to turn hard, almost impossible?
Joined
·
5,833 Posts
It's possible..although a bent stem is rare.
Joined
·
5,833 Posts
Not that much to them. If all is in good shape..ie stem bearings/bushing, tie rod ends and/or rack & pinion(if equiped), and ball joints and if the toe is set proper (probably between 0 and 10mm toe-in) it should be the best it can. The only other constituting factors is tires/air pressure and if one has CV joints that may be binding..mostly the outers. That's it. The rest is up to the abilities of the operator.
Joined
·
614 Posts
no front diff on a 2 wheel drive v force
1 - 17 of 17 Posts
