[kman]

Hi All, I have a 2020 zforce 800ex. While riding I  had an issue.. see attached pic. got out of it and couldn't turn the whole way to the left. Mind you I was not going any speed at all trying to go through the mud. And there was no mud packing when I got out of it. Took it to dealer and they checked toe and adjusted drivers side tie rod about 1/2 in. took it for a ride and thinks it's okay. But did state maybe steering box could have jumped a tooth and is not accessible. What are your thoughts.

[doug80638]

Odd. I would jack up the front end and make sure you have equal turning range in both directions.

If it skipped a tooth, the steering wheel would no longer be straight/in the same position as it was previously. That's also true if something bent. Since the steering geometry was changed when then the toe was adjusted, you can no longer tell.
 
These steering boxes have plastic spacers inside the boots (one each side) that acts as a stop to limit the steering angle. These spacers float on the rack shaft unsecured. The space they fit into is tighter on one side (3 crimps).  I can imagine that if one of these spacers floated out and then caught the edge of the casing on the way back in, that it could limit steering on one side at the point it was stuck. I could also imaging the spacer letting go of the edge and the steering range going back to normal.

I would check the play on each side of the rack. If there is little to no play, I would highly doubt that it skipped a tooth. If there is a lot of play, it's time to replace the rack.

[NMKawierider]

Odd. I would jack up the front end and make sure you have equal turning range in both directions.

If it skipped a tooth, the steering wheel would no longer be straight/in the same position as it was previously. That's also true if something bent. Since the steering geometry was changed when then the toe was adjusted, you can no longer tell.
 
These steering boxes have plastic spacers inside the boots (one each side) that acts as a stop to limit the steering angle. These spacers float on the rack shaft unsecured. The space they fit into is tighter on one side (3 crimps).  I can imagine that if one of these spacers floated out and then caught the edge of the casing on the way back in, that it could limit steering on one side at the point it was stuck. I could also imaging the spacer letting go of the edge and the steering range going back to normal.

I would check the play on each side of the rack. If there is little to no play, I would highly doubt that it skipped a tooth. If there is a lot of play, it's time to replace the rack.

I agree with doug80638, and because in order for the rack to move enough to skip a tooth, the case would have to be cracked or broken...and that would be noticeable. More likely something got bent or some other internal problem. It needs a good inspection. These are known first to either bend or break tie rods and ends or bend the arm on the knuckle. The next thing they do is bend the rack. After that...look for bent a arm or mounts. It is also possible one of the steering shaft splines was so loose it jumped. When mine was new it had several loose ones and if I had not tightened them-up, they could have warn enough to jump. That would be like jumping teeth on the box. Food tor thought....and things to check. Good luck.     

[kman]

I had to be pulled out from behind but after I was out I was navigating to get around noticed steering stopped at what seemed to be 3/4 of the way left and what seemed to be the whole way right. Turned it back to the left and pulled on it and wheel seemed to release and go the whole way left. There was no mud pack in or around box or tie rods. After returning home and cleaned I looked at everything and nothing appeared bent/broke. Took to dealer and he adjusted drivers side tie rod in about 1/2" (could it have been out when I bought it)
The steering shaft splines(loose) would be something I would like to check.