markddapexgt
Extreme
I had posted a reply on this subject with some pictures showing the failure of the pivot arm at the front attachment points to the chasis. As I almost missed this while changing the bushings, I thought I should point this out so if you are at the pre season million bits on the garage floor stage,like me, it could save you some trouble on the trail!!!
Take a good look inside the pivot arm bushing housings where they bolt to the chasis either side. Mine was cracked badly inside as you can see from the pix. I had stripped the skid for pre season maintainance having done 7000miles last winter. I almost missed it as it is always covered in grease. However seeing the usual rusting taking place I decided to send it for powder coating. When I cleaned everything up for sandblasting here is what I found!
I have a call in to Yamaha
- not a whiner -but if you are putting down the power with these sleds the last thing you want is a suspension failure - at ANY speed! This is my own GT and is meticulously maintained. I bottomed it out a couple of times - nothing radical but it looks more to me like a fatigue crack and having covered high mileage (awsome 08 snow!!!) I think it has more to do with material failure.I see the 09 arm is a different part number and is definately beefed up. Have suspension in to HYgear, latest wheels coming and hopefully Yamaha will see the light! and I'll get the 09 arms - even then they are going for sandblasting, inspection of welds and powdercoating after this.
Usual pre season scramble but the machines are awsome and it will soon be snowing!! However dont want to be out in the deep blue yonder, flying along at just over the speed limit wondering if the pivot arm is going to fall apart!!
Take a good look inside the pivot arm bushing housings where they bolt to the chasis either side. Mine was cracked badly inside as you can see from the pix. I had stripped the skid for pre season maintainance having done 7000miles last winter. I almost missed it as it is always covered in grease. However seeing the usual rusting taking place I decided to send it for powder coating. When I cleaned everything up for sandblasting here is what I found!
I have a call in to Yamaha
- not a whiner -but if you are putting down the power with these sleds the last thing you want is a suspension failure - at ANY speed! This is my own GT and is meticulously maintained. I bottomed it out a couple of times - nothing radical but it looks more to me like a fatigue crack and having covered high mileage (awsome 08 snow!!!) I think it has more to do with material failure.I see the 09 arm is a different part number and is definately beefed up. Have suspension in to HYgear, latest wheels coming and hopefully Yamaha will see the light! and I'll get the 09 arms - even then they are going for sandblasting, inspection of welds and powdercoating after this. Usual pre season scramble but the machines are awsome and it will soon be snowing!! However dont want to be out in the deep blue yonder, flying along at just over the speed limit wondering if the pivot arm is going to fall apart!!
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AttakDog
TY 4 Stroke Junkie
Thanks for the post, another spot I have to check! Take a look at my post with the failed arm, happened on the last ride last year, could have been really bad except it was at low speed. I unbolted the tranfer rod and nursed it home.
markddapexgt
Extreme
Apex cracked pivot arm
You did a great job to get the sled home.
I can deal with the cold handwarmers, old wheels falling apart, leaking doughnuts and other quirks - that only seem life threatening after a few cold ones but when you are flying along at the speed these sleds love its going to be difficult not to think about a faulty pivot arm!! I have had Yamahas in every shape and size for the past 9 years and the 4 strokes from day one and never made a call to Yamaha until I found that crack! Especiallyas the sled was well looked after and never abused from new. I'll keep you posted on what they say.
You did a great job to get the sled home.
I can deal with the cold handwarmers, old wheels falling apart, leaking doughnuts and other quirks - that only seem life threatening after a few cold ones but when you are flying along at the speed these sleds love its going to be difficult not to think about a faulty pivot arm!! I have had Yamahas in every shape and size for the past 9 years and the 4 strokes from day one and never made a call to Yamaha until I found that crack! Especiallyas the sled was well looked after and never abused from new. I'll keep you posted on what they say.
