Small frame kink, big steering problem on the 2007 Rhino 660

[ch33s3_whz]

My neighbor just bought this 2007 Yamaha Rhino 660, and mechanically, it's pretty solid.

But, he says it was super dirty when he bought it, and he totally missed this kink in the frame on the right side, right behind the lower A-arm mount.

Now, when he drives it, the steering wheel pulls hard to the right, and he has to hold it almost a half turn left just to go straight.

He's checked everything, like the tire pressure, wheel bearings, tie rods, bushings, and even tried a string alignment from the rear wheels, which shows the toe is off.

He's also noticed the wheelbase might be off by about half an inch on that side. He's wondering if just that little kink, maybe a half inch to three quarters, could cause all these issues, even though nothing else looks majorly bent or cracked.

He's thinking about trying to pop the kink out with some UHMW plastic as a brace before taking it to a welder.

What do you guys think, any thoughts? I really want to help him

 

[Rezz_davis]

UHMW is not gonna move that kind of steel, no no, your best best should be to stop driving it and get a frame shop or someone with proper jigs to check and pull it straight otherwise, he's just burning up tires and fighting the wheel every ride

 

[gambinoe55]

Yeah even a small kink like that near the A-arm mount can throw off alignment and cause all the issues he's seeing, pulling, off-center steering and uneven wheelbase. If everything else checks out, the frame damage is likely the root cause. Popping it out with UHMW MIGHT help a bit short-term, but for proper handling and safety, its always best to have it checked and fixed by a pro with frame tools or a welder.

 

[peacefulPeter]

That small kink is a massive disruption of the geometry as it came from the factory, which is why the Rhino is driving in italic. A frame shop would be able to get it as close to perfect as possible, but it's important to note that it will never be as perfect as it came from the factory. It's worth a shot mainly because it's cheaper than getting a new frame.

 

[logan_h_38]

My neighbor just bought this 2007 Yamaha Rhino 660, and mechanically, it's pretty solid.

But, he says it was super dirty when he bought it, and he totally missed this kink in the frame on the right side, right behind the lower A-arm mount.

Now, when he drives it, the steering wheel pulls hard to the right, and he has to hold it almost a half turn left just to go straight.

He's checked everything, like the tire pressure, wheel bearings, tie rods, bushings, and even tried a string alignment from the rear wheels, which shows the toe is off.

He's also noticed the wheelbase might be off by about half an inch on that side. He's wondering if just that little kink, maybe a half inch to three quarters, could cause all these issues, even though nothing else looks majorly bent or cracked.

He's thinking about trying to pop the kink out with some UHMW plastic as a brace before taking it to a welder.

What do you guys think, any thoughts? I really want to help him

I have to agree with the guys here, a bent frame, even just little bit, an throw everything off!!
It's likely pulling that A-arm back, messing with the alignment.
I wouldn't also go with the UHMW plastic, it wouldn't fix the core structural problem.
Taking it to a professional welder or fabrication shop is the best route.
They can either straighten the frame or reinforce it properly.
It's the only way to make sure the Rhino is safe to drive.