ljgomes
Newbie
Track Howl on 2005 Venture
I called Yamaha to complain about my track howl and to ask about the fix posted by Charles J. Smith above in this thread. Yamaha would not give me any technical info over the phone and said I had to contact my dealer. They also asked who my dealer was. So later on that day, I dropped my sled off at the dealer and Yamaha had already called the dealer and told them there was no fix and that some track howl is normal on the Venture model. They also said that the low snow kit I had installed last year actually makes the problem worse. (I did not notice any difference in the howl after the low snow kit was installed). After the conversation with Yamaha, my dealer did not even want to look at my sled because they do not get any money for analyzing a problem that is not a recognized problem by Yamaha. After some begging on my part, the dealer finally said they would take the sled for a test ride to see how bad the howl is. Also the Yamaha rep referred to this thread and said that any wheels being installed in the top of the tunnel was being done by the owner and if this resulted in any problems, it would void they warranty. Hopefully Charles J. Smith will respond to post and let us know if installing those wheels was his idea or not. Based on this conversation, it is clear to me that Yamaha knows there is a problem with track howl, but they are not acknowledging it. I plan to attend a Yamaha show for new sleds at the end of this month and try to find out what changes were made on the 2007 Venture Model. But unless Yamaha confirms a fix, I would not recommend that anyone buy a new Venture model. By the way, I love everything else about this sled, but the track howl makes it unbearable at speeds above 35mph. Also, my wife has a 2006 Rage and does not have this track howl problem, so it only seems to be a problem on the Venture.
I called Yamaha to complain about my track howl and to ask about the fix posted by Charles J. Smith above in this thread. Yamaha would not give me any technical info over the phone and said I had to contact my dealer. They also asked who my dealer was. So later on that day, I dropped my sled off at the dealer and Yamaha had already called the dealer and told them there was no fix and that some track howl is normal on the Venture model. They also said that the low snow kit I had installed last year actually makes the problem worse. (I did not notice any difference in the howl after the low snow kit was installed). After the conversation with Yamaha, my dealer did not even want to look at my sled because they do not get any money for analyzing a problem that is not a recognized problem by Yamaha. After some begging on my part, the dealer finally said they would take the sled for a test ride to see how bad the howl is. Also the Yamaha rep referred to this thread and said that any wheels being installed in the top of the tunnel was being done by the owner and if this resulted in any problems, it would void they warranty. Hopefully Charles J. Smith will respond to post and let us know if installing those wheels was his idea or not. Based on this conversation, it is clear to me that Yamaha knows there is a problem with track howl, but they are not acknowledging it. I plan to attend a Yamaha show for new sleds at the end of this month and try to find out what changes were made on the 2007 Venture Model. But unless Yamaha confirms a fix, I would not recommend that anyone buy a new Venture model. By the way, I love everything else about this sled, but the track howl makes it unbearable at speeds above 35mph. Also, my wife has a 2006 Rage and does not have this track howl problem, so it only seems to be a problem on the Venture.
charles J.smith
Newbie
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2006
- Messages
- 12
I just got back from the UP of Michigan, still some pretty good riding up there. As for the idler wheels installed on my 05 venture in the upper tunnel, which was Yamaha's idea, not mine, and was strickly an attempt on their part to eleminate the track noise, or a test that I was supposed to get back to them with the outcome,which I did. I very much appreciate this effort on Yamaha's and my dealers part, but after 2 winter season's of trying to eleminate this awful track howel and alot of lost riding I had become very frostated and let them know that I was seeking leagal help, this is when they came up with this mod. As for the mod, it diffently helped as long as the track was real loose, 11/2 in. sag setting on the stand, I tried tightening the track just to no sag and the noise was back as bad as ever. Loosened it up again and it was livable again. this test was done with new slides and SLP wear pads. I'm convenced that this noise is coming from a multitude of things, the 6 plastic idler wheels, the contact face on mine shows alot of wear, also the track rubing on the steel wear pads in upper suspension, too much weight on slides, etc.etc. The next thing I will try is the over sized wheels, but now our winter is about over. Again this mod did help, allowing the loose track, I actually could hear the engine, sweet! I'll post pictures if someone will tell me how to do it.
twomorestrokes
TY 4 Stroke God
It's pretty easy to post pictures on this forum. Just click the "add an attachment" box, then "browse" to find your photo file in your computer and double click on the file. Wish the other forums were this easy.
Charles,
Good to hear that you made some progress. I believe you will be even happier when you try the oversized wheels.
The wheels have done wonders for me. Have 11,800 miles on my Venture and will break 12,000 next week.
As discussed before, the oversized wheels do two things, reduce track howl and extend hyfax wear.
I have not changed slides since Jan 05 and have over 10,000 miles on the set I'm running now. I am going have to change next year due to some planned extended road trips.
When I pull the slides I will post some photos and show how much slide is still left.
As far as postng photos, what twomorestrokes said!
Good to hear that you made some progress. I believe you will be even happier when you try the oversized wheels.
The wheels have done wonders for me. Have 11,800 miles on my Venture and will break 12,000 next week.
As discussed before, the oversized wheels do two things, reduce track howl and extend hyfax wear.
I have not changed slides since Jan 05 and have over 10,000 miles on the set I'm running now. I am going have to change next year due to some planned extended road trips.
When I pull the slides I will post some photos and show how much slide is still left.
As far as postng photos, what twomorestrokes said!
charles J.smith
Newbie
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2006
- Messages
- 12
twomorestrokes
TY 4 Stroke God
Thanks for the photos! Very interesting.
maddogjeff
Expert
I agree with Hondo, oversized idler wheels did it for me. I used Doo's, Hondo used Poo's, they're probably from the same supplier.
charles J.smith
Newbie
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2006
- Messages
- 12
maddogjeff, when you installed your doo oversized wheels, did you have to make any mods to fit them in to suspension? Hondo said that the bracket had to be drilled out 20 thousands. Just wondering if doo wheels were any different. Hondo, you sure have put on the miles, I'm impressed, I'm now looking forward to next winter, with the improvements, maybe I can rack up some miles. I thank all that have posted to help me with this problem.
Gregory J
Newbie
My wife and I each have 2004 RX-1's with the track howl. After one year of use, I installed the 121" M-10 suspensions in both machines and found no change in track howl. Little or no change was seen after sliders wore & new sliders where installed.
I think the suspension has little to do with the
problem, it's the track and maybe the drives.
The machines run so incredibly well in every other
way. Very occasionaly, when the trail conditions & air temperature is just right, the track howl reduces
enough to make us think we riding different machines. But only for an hour or 2, then howl
comes back. From what I read, it sound like the
Venture's track howl is even louder.
I think the suspension has little to do with the
problem, it's the track and maybe the drives.
The machines run so incredibly well in every other
way. Very occasionaly, when the trail conditions & air temperature is just right, the track howl reduces
enough to make us think we riding different machines. But only for an hour or 2, then howl
comes back. From what I read, it sound like the
Venture's track howl is even louder.
We really enjoy riding.
I have said this on numerous occasions; I wish Yamaha could get it together and build a "total package" sled.
There are so many good points to the sled. However, we spend our own valuable time and money to make the sled whole. Something that should come from the factory.
I'm sure many would agree. Going through the agony of getting the sled right is a bunch of BS.
This is why this site is so valuable: Information sharing! 
I have said this on numerous occasions; I wish Yamaha could get it together and build a "total package" sled.
There are so many good points to the sled. However, we spend our own valuable time and money to make the sled whole. Something that should come from the factory.
I'm sure many would agree. Going through the agony of getting the sled right is a bunch of BS.
This is why this site is so valuable: Information sharing!
maddogjeff
Expert
The Doo and Poo wheel bearings are .120 (3mm) wider so for the inner wheels the bearing mounts have to machined .060 and the shock mount brackets have to turned down the same on each side to keep the wheels centered. Any machine shop can easily do this on a lathe, it took my quy 30 minutes to do all 8 cuts. But then there is the hassle of pulling the skid which isn't too hard for the Venture. The outer wheels just need a longer bolt, Yami part# SMA-8EK38-01:95817-10085-00. Doo wheel part# 503190802.
Hondo rocks, highly jealous of his mileage.
Hondo rocks, highly jealous of his mileage.
charles J.smith
Newbie
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2006
- Messages
- 12
Well said hondo, if Yamaha wants it's buyers to do the R@D work for them they should at least listen to our complaints instead of going through the dealer on everything. I have come to very much dislike the comment from the dealers and Yamaha that they all have the track noise, get use to it. I agree that a 144 in. track with 1 1/4 cleats should make some noise, but not to the degree that I have had. Now with the mods that have been done I know it can be the machine I thought I was buying in the first place, the sad thing is it's taken 2 winter season's to get there, lot's of $, frustation and my ears are still ringing! I really wonder why Yamaha is coming out with new models (Phazers) when they don't have their current models perfected. Good luck to the buyers of the new Phazer, I'll wait a year or two.
Mark O
Expert
Since track howl seems to be commonplace with the '05 Camoplast track on the RS models (as well as some RX models), has anyone ever just replaced the track & noticed a difference? I've heard about a silent track. Who makes that? If track replacement REALLY solves the problem, personally, I'll just bite the bullet over the summer & replace the tracks on my 2 Ventures. Seems like all the trial & error that some of you guys have gone through, back & forth to the dealer, the wheel addition/replacement and the machining that goes along with it is a fair amount of work & hassle which produces mixed results.
Mark O,
I believe Camoplast makes the quiet track for Arctic Cat.
I don't know if they make it in a 144".
If you find that they do, and you install one or both, please let us know.
We would like to hear your comments.
I believe Camoplast makes the quiet track for Arctic Cat.
I don't know if they make it in a 144".
If you find that they do, and you install one or both, please let us know.
We would like to hear your comments.
Guys,
Anybody ever try writing to Snowtrax TV? They put the Venture as their "Real World Sled of the Year", last year. . Did they not have this problem. Maybe they found a correct fix for this, after all they do sledding as a full time job.
Anybody ever try writing to Snowtrax TV? They put the Venture as their "Real World Sled of the Year", last year. . Did they not have this problem. Maybe they found a correct fix for this, after all they do sledding as a full time job.
