54/42 Helix is Toast/Any Suggestions

[Sierraspirit]

Was on a trip, approx. 1400 miles in 7 days. Had this helix installed (54/42) with a silver spring. I also purchased aftermarket buttons/wear blocks where the helix runs up. Do not purchase aftermarket wear blocks as they wear very quickly. They were totally ripped off and damaged the billet aluminum helix, aluminim on aluminum. It is no longer of any use. What can a person do with this type of damage to a helix??

 

[Yummy]

Pencil holder!

 

[LazyBastard]

That helix doesn't look too bad. Sand the roughness off with medium grit sandpaper, then work it finer until its glass smooth. The angle will be slightly affected, but it'll still work fine.

 

[rxwarrior]

Come on now LB. Looking at the top of those ramps you can tell how much material has been removed from them already! That helix is just a paperweight now! Yamaha sliders are actually very good!

 

[suprfst]

There used to be shops that would recut helix,s,check with ulmer or dalton.

 

[Dano]

This very thing happened to me a few years ago, but I was down for the count. Thinking I was saving a few bucks I also decided to get aftermarket sliders, but found out they will not take heat and melt away. When mine melted, my helix was on bare aluminum and spit out my sheave bushing which in turn spun on jack shaft and took out jackshaft bearing. So as you can see I didn’t save any money lol.
I would be worried if that helix is no longer well balanced now. If it isn’t, you stand a good chance to spit out the sheave bushing. I would file 19 that helix.

Dan

 

[Sierraspirit]

Thanks for all the comments. I think it will be a good conversation piece. After collecting some dust in the garage, off to the garbage. I don't want to take the chance in screwing up more. I talked with a local machine shop. They said it would be a difficult fix with about 4 hours of time ($250) and no guarantee. That is more than the helix was worth. Thanks again fellows.

 

[WhistlerCowboy]

I had the same problem 2 weeks ago--melted buttons and trashed helix.

 

[**sj**]

helix can be recut for relatively cheap...since the ramps started out steep...there's plenty to cut ...call dalton he might even give ya a credit towards a new one