Suspension; Shock Absorbers; Front A-Arms - Arctic Cat 2014 XC 450 Service Manual

Suspension

The following suspension system components should
be inspected periodically to ensure proper operation.
A. Shock absorber rods not bent, pitted, or dam-
aged.
B. Rubber damper not cracked, broken, or miss-
ing.
C. Shock absorber body not damaged, punctured,
or leaking.
D. Shock absorber eyelets not broken, bent, or
cracked.
E. Shock absorber eyelet bushings not worn, dete-
riorated, cracked, or missing.
F. Shock absorber spring not broken or sagging.

Shock Absorbers

REMOVING
1. Secure the ATV on a support stand to elevate the
wheels and to release load on the suspension.
! WARNING
Make sure the ATV is solidly supported on the support
stand to avoid injury.
2. Remove the two cap screws and nuts securing each
front shock absorber to the frame and the upper A-
arm. Account for bushings and sleeves from each.
CAUTION
Additional support stands are necessary to support
the rear axle when the shock absorbers are removed
or damage may occur.
3. Remove the two cap screws and nut securing each
rear shock absorber to the frame and lower A-arm.
Account for bushings and sleeves from each.
NOTE: The shock absorbers are not serviceable
components. If leaking, dented, or there are miss-
ing or broken parts, the shock absorber assembly
must be replaced.
INSTALLING
1. Place bushings and sleeves (where appropriate) into
shock eyelet; then install shock with cap screws and
nuts. Tighten all nuts to 35 ft-lb.
CAUTION
Do not tighten the nuts beyond the 35 ft-lb specifica-
tion or the shock eyelet or mount WILL be damaged.
2. Remove the ATV from the support stand.

Front A-Arms

REMOVING
1. Secure the ATV on a support stand to elevate the
front wheels; then remove the wheels.
! WARNING
Make sure the ATV is solidly supported on the support
stand to avoid injury.
2. Remove the cotter pin from the nut. Discard the cot-
ter pin.
3. Remove the nut securing the hub.
4. Remove the brake caliper.
5. Remove the hub assembly.
6. Remove the cap screws securing the ball joints to the
knuckle.
CAUTION
Support the knuckle when removing the cap screws or
damage to the threads will occur.
7. Tap the ball joints out of the knuckle; then free the
knuckle from the axle and swing out of the way.
KC187A
KC313A
121