2008 Polaris Sportsman 500 EFI/X2/Touring/500 H.O. Service Manual, Page 45Get this manual
MAINTENANCE Tie Rod EndSteering Inspection
To check for play in the tie rod end, grasp the steering tie rod, pull in all directions feeling for movement Repeat inspection for inner tie rod end on steering post
Wheel Alignment
12Place machine on smooth level surfaceSet handlebars in straight ahead position and secure handlebars in this positionNOTE: The steering arm center section can be used as an indicator of whether the handlebars are straightThe center section should always point straight back from the steering postPlace chalk mark on the center line of the front tires approximately 10" (25.4 cm) from the floor or as close to the hubaxle center line as possibleNOTE: It is important that the height of both marks be equally positioned in order to get an accurate measurementMeasure the distance between the marks and record the measurementCall this measurement "A"Rotate the tires 180o by moving vehicle forward or backwardPosition chalk marks facing rearward, even with the hubaxle centerlineAgain measure the distance between the marks and recordCall this measurement "B"Subtract measurement "B" from measurement "A"The difference between measurements "A" and "B" is the vehicle toe alignmentThe recommended vehicle toe tolerance is 18" to 14" (.3 to.6 cm) toe outThis means the measurement at the front of the tire (A) is 18" to 14" (.3 to .6 cm) wider than the measurement at the rear (B)