[fxd]

Hey guys, I was reading the darting post and since mine was doing it I thought I would check my alignment, well measuring center to center rear then front of skis i was 2 inches toe IN. Now I hope I did it right cause the same measurement after adjusting is 1/4" toe OUT. but I am still measuring center of ski to center of ski, is this correct?

I don't care where we go, let's just ride....

 

[wryjoker]

Center line of ski will work just fine.
Question to you, you were 2" toe in? That just seems like alot not to notice.

"Meaningless Ride"

 

[RXLRIDER]

.... unless you had a loose spindle and bounced off a tree, curb, railraod track, ext...


I'd double check the spindles and make sure the bolts are tight.

 

[fxd]

I'm new to sleding but it did dart alot at higher speeds, I've only ridden it a couple of times so I need to get more seat time to better judge that, but that does bring up another question. It has been hit in the front left side previously so that might have knocked it out of whack. how much play should there be in the steering (amount of back and forth until skis turn) and how much play in the ski (holding the spindle and wiggling the ski back and forth) I have about 1' in the handle bars and about maybe an inch measured at the front of the ski as it is wiggled back and forth. Thanks guys

I don't care where we go, let's just ride....

 

[intendedacceleration]

That seems like alot of play, I would replace some of the steering linkages and such. My old storm has alot of play too but what you are describing seems excessive.

2002 Arctic Cat ZR 800 EFI

founding member of the Arctic Cat Mind Control Team......you will believe!!

 

[RXLRIDER]

I have almost no play between the ski and spindle. There should be a little play in between the handlebars and spindle, but what you describe sounds excessive (and possibly dangerous). Take a look at your tie rod ends for wear. There should be no play in them at all. Then look at the steering "knuckle" (where the three steering rods meet), and see if that moves back and forth while you move the handlebars. And lastly, your handlebar mount (below the engine, hard to get to). Make sure that all four bolts are tight, and hit that zerk with some grease. Otherwise, you also have 2 bushings above and below the spindle, they may have wear and are allowin the spindle itself to move, and it won't hold grease too well. Hope this helps tighten her up.

 

[fxd]

I believe that most , if not all of the steering play is in the knuckle, as I looked at it last night it looks like the two outer bolts are loose in the bracket that connects all three, I didn't try to tighten them but I assume there is some kind if collar in there so they wont bind up when you tighten them. in which case I may have to replace those or the bracket, what kind of money are we talking about here, are those parts pretty cheap. also it looks like a bitch of a spot to get tools into, I assume this is a repair I can probably handle. Thx

I don't care where we go, let's just ride....

Edited by - fxd on December 05 2001 1:15:01 PM

 

[RXLRIDER]

By outer bolts, I am assuming that you mean the bolts that go through the tie rod ends. There is a collar on the tie rod ends that will allow those bolts to be tightened up fairly tight. If you are going to replace them, I'd also replace the outer tie rod ends as well. The tie rod ends will be threaded for right hand and left hand, which allows you to turn the tie rod to adjust toe in or out. I think that they are around $15.00 each. If those are bad, you might want to look at the radius rods as well. The upper and lower rods have tie rod ends that wear out also. These will be found behind the 'knuckle' under the belly pan. Be careful when removing the lower ends (larger diameter) from the radius rod. They have a tendency to break off in the radius rod. If they are really stuck, take a torch and heat them up until they are glowing red. The tie rod end will turn out with out breaking off. If it does break off, grind it down, drill it, and tap it out.

Good Luck

 

[shanet963]

Put long 2x4's on both sides of your track so they extend out past the front of your skis and pushed up tight against the track sides, center your handlebars and now you have something acurate to measure your ski alignment against.[/size=4]

He who loves not his country can love nothing

 

[xltman]

i just did that, thanks to a tip from triumphoveru, worked like a charm, all you need for toe out is between 1/8-1/4" and you will be fine



Edited by - xltman on 06 Dec 2001 21:26:11

 

[fxd]

update-update-update
Well I tightened the bolts holding the tie rod ends to the steering knuckle, everything seems much tighter. I still have a "little" bit of play if I hold one ski and move the other one but nothing I would consider excessive about a 1/4 to 1/2 inch. I appreciate your help guys thanks. MF

I don't care where we go, let's just ride....