2011 Grizzly 550 Tie Rods

Diamondgator said:

It is time to replace due to the tie rod ends being worn out. The rods appear ok.
What is the group consensus. Replace tie rod ends or ends and tie rod?

Also what brand do you recommend or stick with OEM?

Thank you and tried to find in past threads but could not. Sorry if duplicate thread.

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Bump

I'm sorry I can't help you out but I will tag some guys who I think can help. @dezz @reogem

If the tie rods are in good condition but the tie rod ends have looseness, you only need to change the tie rod ends. I tend to stick to oem for steering parts but I'm sure there are other good and cheaper options.

Only replace the ends.
No need to replace the rod unless it's bent or damaged.

When it comes to tierod ends and ball joints, I usually go OEM.

Stay away from All Balls for tierod ends, ball joints and wheel bearings. They are cheap and fail again in short order compared to OEM. Additionally, All Balls ball joints are the only ones I have ever seen break off the mounting post on. And I have seen this muliple times. That shows inferior metals being used with poor manufacturing practices.

Thank you everyone and looks like OEM on this fix!!

@dezz is right on about the All Balls brand stuff. The tie rod ends on my little polaris I used to have wore out with under 1000 miles on them. I replaced them with All Balls. Much to my dismay, those started to show excessive play at way less than 500 miles. Cheap price, cheap junk.

X2 stick with OEM
I tried American Star tie rods and ends on my 700 Griz. The rods are great but the rod ends are junk.

Agree change tie rod ends only. Go with OEM on front end parts better in the long run.

reogem said:

X2 stick with OEM
I tried American Star tie rods and ends on my 700 Griz. The rods are great but the rod ends are junk.

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I have the American Star Pro-X heim joint ends on my Grizz 450.. so far so good.. but then again I only put about 150 miles on them last year.. but then again again :grin2: I ride technical terrain and so far they are taking a beating...