A Arm movement

[Angrydan]

I am fairly new to this forum, and I think it is a great resource. I was checking my sled 09 RTX SE, and discovered that I had horizontal movement in one of my A Arms. I thought the sub frame might be bent, but everything looks right. I took the panels off, and discovered that the front bolt, that holds that A arm on, was loose. I have read about loose bolts on skids, but never in the A arms. I tightened it, and it now seems fine. Is this common, and do I now have to consider changing the bushings again (800 miles on them). Thanks for the help

 

[grizztracks]

You can't trust any of the Yamaha lock nuts. Always apply Loctite on the bolts when reassembling parts. If you ran with the a-arm bolt loose for an extended period the subframe mounting hole is probably egged out which will allow for continued movement. You can fill the egged portion with weld and grind the hole back to it's proper size and location. I weld the lower a-arm nuts to the frame to prevent the egging but it's important to use Loctite on the bolts or even tie wire between the hex heads for protection against them falling out. pictures of repairing the mounting holes here: GrizzGusset

 

[Angrydan]

Thanks for the info

 

[cannondale27]

Is also a good idea to tighten all suspension bolts with sled on the ground so all bolts are in their natural positions in holes.

 

[Angrydan]

also a great idea. I love this forum

 

[09nytro]

There also was a recall on that bolt...there was a bur in the nut ...they ran a tap though it and put loc-tight on bolt

 

[rbell14]

I had same issue and replaced recall bolt. It has since loosened again as the whole is likely egged out. Im replacing the subframe this summer and have the gusset kit too! Your bolt may come lose again if the whole is egged out.

 

[09nytro]

Your lucky...when my bolt came out I went flipping .....sled should have been totaled but yamaha fixed it......bent subframe,upper and lower a-arms , tunnel,steering post, handle bars and some other stuff