[bcsman]

My 1998 is full time 4 wheel drive. Obviously the steering is tighter than the 2 wheel drive quads. I have made things easier after setting the toe. It was more than an inch toe out so I set it to about 1/4" out. Anyhow my question is am I doing any damage or wear and tear by turning left and right max? I have trails in my woods that I use to cut and haul firewood and there are many twists and turns along the way. So it will involve some tight turns. It isn't making any sounds or rubbing but am I ok with these type of turns? Is there anything I should grease or lube in the steering, don't see any fittings? Thanks...

 

[shadetree]

well, personally ?, I never use toe in, toe out. I always set my front end straight, lined up with my back tires, and i've yet to have any problems. no there is not any grease fittings on your model, yes, there is a bearing at the bottom of the steering shaft that has to be greased over time, no, its not easy to get out !..lol.

 

[bcsman]

@shadetree,
Thanks for the info, what do you think about the steering? I'm not putting undo stress on anything that I should pay attention too? Not sure if the steering mechanism is different from the full time to part time 4 wheel drive.

 

[shadetree]

2wd and 4wd will always steer different.

 

[fishfiles]

there is a grease needle adaptor that you can purchase , you can stick it into the boots of the ball joints and tie rod ends and pump grease into them , it may help you and it may not , but it is something that will increase the life of them , I have seen where it makes a dramatic difference and I have seen where it was too little too late and I needed new ball joints

Shade isn't lying about the lower steering stem bearings not being a easy job -----did you try and spray some oil into the top bushing , those get dried out and stiff

 

[SamUK]

Tow out will give a tighter turning circle and hold turns better, you have to be a little careful at speed though as you turn because those handlebars want to pull from your hands. Toe in is a safer option by far, won’t hold corners and will perform better at speed. I’ve never tried neutral toe so I can’t comment on that.

Greasing ball joints.... We have a dispensary here at the farm and I used a syringe with a small needle attached, similar to what you’d expect to see your doctor take blood sample with. I just jabbed it in the boot and filled with waterproof grease and then covered the hole with bicycle innertube repair glue, the glue held well.

 

[bcsman]

@fishfiles, @SamUK

Thanks for the info, will take a look, I'm not trying to say there is anything wrong with the way she steers as I know full time will be tighter. More or less just looking at what to do for upkeep and that was good knowledge...

 

[fishfiles]

There is a gizmo called a 4x2 kick-out made by Wide Open , it will disengage the front drive shaft and make steering better , my 2002 450 has an electric disconnect , my 2000 450 was full time 4wd , it has the 4x2 , also have the 4x2 on my 300 4x4's , it helps dramatically , better turning radius and easier on your body , more fun to ride in 2wd as much as possible and more challenging in 2wd as far as you can go , it is expensive , list price is $370 but I consider it the best mod you can get if your atv is full time 4x4

 

[fishfiles]

If you are looking for some info on your 450 , here are links to two threads , one is my 2002 450 and the other 2000 450 , both are foot shift bikes , but 90% of the ES and FM/S are the same bikes


https://www.hondaatvforums.net/forums/atv-general-discussion/50570-2002-foreman-trx450fm.html


https://www.hondaatvforums.net/forums/builds-projects-diy/123454-2000-trx450fm-build-mods.html

 

[bcsman]

Actually steering is much better after the toe was adjusted, pretty much plowing, but I'm sure 2WD would be easier. Have to see how big a project that conversion is, I'm not Mr. mechanic..

 

[fishfiles]

Actually steering is much better after the toe was adjusted, pretty much plowing, but I'm sure 2WD would be easier. Have to see how big a project that conversion is, I'm not Mr. mechanic..

I can do it in about 2 hours , you have to unbolt the front diff and move it forward enough to get the drive shaft out , slide the 4x2 in and mount the cable