Polaris GEM E Series Service Manual page 20

2 - 12 SUSPENSION AND STEERING
STEERING DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
Condition
Rattle or clunk
Difficult to turn
wheel (wheel
sticks or binds)
Steering wheel
does not want to
return to center
position
Excessive play in
steering wheel
Vehicle pulls or
leads to one side
GEM Service Manual
Possible Causes
•
Gear mounting bolts loose
•
Loose or damaged suspension
components
•
Loose or damaged steering column
•
Low tire pressure
•
Worn or damaged steering
components (ball joints, tie rod ends)
•
Steering column u-joints binding
•
Steering gear worn
•
Incorrect tire pressure
•
Lack of lubrication suspension
components
•
Worn coil spring/ shock assembly
•
Loose or worn steering or
suspension components
•
Worn or loose wheel bearings
•
Steering gear mounting bolts loose
•
Steering gear worn
•
Steering column u-joints worn
•
Incorrect tire pressure
•
Redial tire lead
•
Brakes dragging
•
Improper front end alignment
Correction
•
Tighten bolts to specification
•
Inspect and repair suspension components
•
Replace steering column
•
Adjust tire pressure
•
Inspect and repair/replace as necessary
•
Replace steering column
•
Replace steering gear
•
Adjust tire pressure
•
Inspect and lubricate suspension
components
•
Replace steering gear
•
Inspect and/or replace coil over shock assy
•
Inspect and repair as necessary
•
Replace steering knuckle or drum brake
assembly
•
Tighten mounting bolts
•
Replace steering gear
•
Replace steering column
•
Adjust tire pressure
•
Rotate tires
•
Adjust or repair as necessary
•
Check front end alignment
November 2007