Steering & Suspension
About Steering & Suspension
Steering and suspension decide how a UTV or ATV tracks, turns and soaks up the ground, and almost everything in them wears. Owners come here for loose or wandering steering, clunks over bumps, a machine that sags or bounces, or to change ride height and travel for bigger tires and harder use.
The steering side starts with Tie Rods & Steering Linkages, which connect the steering to the wheels, and Steering Knuckles, which carry each hub. Steering Bearings let the steering stem turn, and Steering Stabilizers & Dampers take the sudden kick out of the bars on a quad. At each wheel, Wheel Bearings, Hubs & Seals are a routine wear item.
The suspension side is divided by job. A-Arms & Swingarms, Control Arms, Ball Joints & Assemblies and Suspension Bearings, Bushings & Seals are the links and pivots. Shocks & Coil Overs, Suspension Springs and Forks & Parts control the ride. Sway Bars, Links & Bushings limit body roll, and Lowering, Lift & Long Travel Kits change height and travel. The group also has Other Steering & Suspension.
Brands in this category include Fox, EPI, Parts Unlimited, Race Tech and All Balls. Nearly everything here is made for a specific machine and year range, so pick yours in the Ride Finder at the top of the page. The group is part of UTV | ATV.
FAQs on UTV and ATV steering and suspension
What are the signs of worn steering or suspension parts on a UTV or ATV?
Common signs are loose or wandering steering, a clunk over bumps or when you turn, a wheel that wobbles or has play when rocked, uneven tire wear, and a machine that pulls to one side. A sagging, bouncing or leaking shock also points to worn suspension parts.
Should I replace steering and suspension parts on both sides together?
Usually it is sensible to, for wear parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and wheel bearings on the same axle. Both sides have covered the same hours and ground, so one worn part often means the other is close behind. Shocks and springs are normally changed as a pair.
Do I need an alignment after replacing tie rods or ball joints?
In most cases, yes. Tie rods set the toe, and replacing tie rod ends or other steering parts can change it. Check toe against the alignment steps in your service manual. A machine that pulls, wanders or wears tires unevenly after a repair needs another look.
How do I find which part is loose on my machine?
Support the machine safely on stands, then rock each wheel by hand at the top and bottom and side to side while watching the joints for movement. Check boots and seals for tears. Your service manual shows what play is acceptable and the right way to check each part.
Are ATV and side-by-side steering and suspension parts interchangeable?
No. Parts are made for a specific machine and year range, and a side-by-side part is built for a heavier machine than a quad. Use the Ride Finder to narrow the listings, and confirm that your model is named in the listing.
