The Polaris RZR is an incredibly capable machine that can traverse almost any terrain. However, there seems to be one issue with this vehicle – customers’ biggest complaint is that the steering is too hard. This appears to be a commonly experienced problem across the RZR lineup, and Polaris has attempted to address this issue.
A poor-quality rack and pinion steering system is the culprit of the Polaris RZR steering so hard. This has led to many customer complaints about breaks and cracks in the system, forcing Polaris to recall the 2020-2022 RZR XP 1000, RZR XP Turbo, and RZR Turbo S Velocity models due to safety risks.
Your Polaris RZR is outfitted with the best and most innovative technology available. But despite all the bells, whistles, and gizmos, the steering wheel is one device that often gets overlooked. This article will address what could make your RZR’s steering tricky.
The Culprit: A Poor-Quality Rack and Pinion
When driving your Polaris RZR, you’re enjoying a vehicle that’s been put together with the best parts to make it a solid, rugged machine. However, one component stands out as being particularly poor – the rack and pinion steering system.
Polaris owners’ most common complaints when they get their RZR is that it feels like the steering has no power assist, and they can barely turn it. We need to discuss rack and pinion steering systems to understand why this happens.
A rack and pinion steering system is likely the most common steering mechanism in all-terrain vehicles like the Polaris RZR. It provides a more responsive steering mechanism and results in a smoother ride than other steering methods while using less power (source).
This steering system is easy to understand once you know what it is. The rack is the part that connects to the steering wheel, and the pinion is a gear attached to the axle that turns in response to your turning the steering wheel.
Therefore, this system uses a gear-and-wheel mechanism to allow the wheels to turn while guided by a control arm attached to the vehicle’s frame. The rack and pinion are often considered an improvement over older steering systems because they provide a tighter turning radius and greater overall control.
If you’ve been riding in your Polaris RZR and have noticed a hard turn or your steering seems off, it could be because of a defective steering rack and pinion (source).
Countless RZR owners have been griping about the steering system’s flimsy rack and pinion. Due to its poor quality, the system can be easily bent, cracked, or broken, which presents anyone driving the vehicle with numerous challenges and severe safety risks (source).
Sometimes, driving practices can be identified as the main reason for any rack and pinion system failure. It is a possibility that your rack and pinion will become compromised if you often put your vehicle through extreme conditions or simply if you drive carelessly through rugged terrain.
That said, it is no secret that the Polaris RZR steering system is generally weak. While it should be high-quality to withstand even the most challenging conditions, Polaris has acknowledged that the rack and pinion system is a safety hazard, particularly for the 2020-2022 RZR models.
Polaris Recalls RZR Models
Polaris has issued a recall of their popular RZR model vehicles because their steering racks may be defective. The company identified an issue with the steering rack and pinion system, which can cause the front wheels to disengage from the steering mechanism. This can lead to loss of control, severe safety risks, and even rollovers (source).
In particular, in the 2020-2022 RZR XP 1000, RZR XP Turbo, and RZR Turbo S Velocity models, the pinion gear that drives the steering rack may break, causing the vehicle to lose its ability to steer.
Polaris has recorded over 38 cases of damaged steering wheels, resulting in 5 reported injuries and 9 instances of rollovers. Therefore, this manufacturing defect makes it challenging to control the vehicle without being able to steer and puts you in danger of crashing, risking injury.
So far, Polaris has recalled 38 900 vehicles worldwide to fix this issue. The company recommends that customers cease using the recalled models immediately and get in touch with a Polaris dealer to arrange for a free repair that includes installing an entirely new steering wheel (source).
It is not recommended to make any repairs to the steering wheel mechanism yourself.
To determine if your RZR is affected by this recall, check your vehicle identification number (VIN). Then go to Polaris’ Product Safety Recalls page and insert the VIN number.
Two Alternative Hard Steering Causes
As any UTV enthusiast knows, Polaris is the leader in the industry for off-road vehicles. The RZR and Ranger are two of the most popular models, which are also known for their extreme performance and agility.
I think you would agree that any product that makes you smile while driving is a top-notch investment. However, this can also lead to unnecessary stress and frustration when the steering begins to feel stiff, and you’re unsure why.
If you have checked your RZR’s VIN and know that it hasn’t been summoned by Polaris to be recalled, various other components could be causing a hard steer.
Electronic Power Steering Malfunction
The Electronic Power Steering system is what gives electronic power steering-equipped vehicles like the RZR their ability to turn on a dime.
In most vehicles, power steering is driven by hydraulics, but with the EPS system, a small computer takes over. However, customers have reported some problems with this system, which is more of a misunderstanding than anything else.
The RZR has an EPS system, much like the modern-day car. The system will automatically switch after the UTV idles for a few minutes. This ensures your battery does not degrade by expending all its energy to the EPS while idling.
To solve this momentary loss of EPS, all you have to do is restart the engine of your RZR. Alternatively, if this doesn’t work, be sure to check your fuses (source).
Here is an informative YouTube video to assist you with fuse repairs:
Weak Battery
In some cases, the EPS could not be at fault at all. After all, the Polaris RZR battery supplies the much-needed energy that the EPS requires to run effectively.
If your RZR has an old or damaged battery, its power production will reduce over time. The EPS will become dysfunctional when the battery cannot output more than 11V, resulting in a hard steer.
Therefore, you should test your battery with a multimeter before assuming the worst of your EPS system. If you don’t have a multimeter, they are easily accessible online. For non-contact voltage testing and live function with sound and light alarms and a flashlight, consider KAIWEETS Digital Multimeter (link to Amazon).
Generally, a defective battery will need to be replaced.
The Polaris RZR is a great car, but pedal problems are common. See my guide for a list of some common issues and fixes.
Conclusion
If you have a newer 2020-2022 model, the hard steer of your Polaris RZR is likely associated with a manufacturing defect. While this is not ideal for any consumer, at least Polaris has offered free repairs.
Alternatively, if your RZR is not a newer model, you could be experiencing electrical supply issues via your battery or an Electrical Power Steering problem.
Most steering issues can be fixed with a few simple adjustments. The first step to solving any problem is identifying the cause. Once you know what’s causing your RZR steering hard, it becomes easier to find the solution.
