Do I need a new lower a-arm? Front end problems

[westinbrad]

Hello All,

I was installing the oilites and noticed I had a little problem.

I'm very new to these type of Ball joints and don't really know how they work.

Am I going to need a whole new a-arm? Because of the major wear done?

There seems to be some kind of copper cushion on the lower part of the a-arm ball joint hole.

In one of the pictures you can see how it was eating into the spindle. The ball joint just freely pops in and out.


The other side has tons of play, but luckily hasn't ate into the spindle yet.

I'm no where near a dealership or yamaha mechanic, otherwise I would just run down to a shop.

What do I need to buy?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[mach9]

blows my mind that anyone could ride with that much slop.
where did the ball joint race disappear to?
it's suppose to slide out the bottom held in with a clip.
if it pushed out the top your arm is toast.

 

[westinbrad]

I just took the other side apart, and it doesn't come out the top, but it's extremely loose.

I've actually never rode it, so wasn't aware that there was a bunch of play...just keep finding more and more with this thing.

So it looks like I might be getting new lower a-arms.

I already put the oilites in, and they were very tight going in...I'm thinking they're in there for good.

 

[westinbrad]

Once it's all back together, what do I do to keep it from doing this again---The machine has only 3.5k miles on it.

 

[yam429]

Some people say to keep the balljoints well lubed to extend their life. Mine did the same thing with around 5000mi. Lower control arm was resting on the spindle carving a nice groove in it. Looks like yours did the same thing. I needed a new control arm because the pocket that holds the ball joint in place was broke through the top of the control arm. Replace with NCI balljoints or if I would have waited I would've gone with the new Hygear lower control arms.

 

[grizztracks]

Some people say to keep the balljoints well lubed to extend their life. Mine did the same thing with around 5000mi. Lower control arm was resting on the spindle carving a nice groove in it. Looks like yours did the same thing. I needed a new control arm because the pocket that holds the ball joint in place was broke through the top of the control arm. Replace with NCI balljoints or if I would have waited I would've gone with the new Hygear lower control arms.

Hygear lower control arms? I know they have new uppers but haven't seen any lower a-arms by Hygear.

 

[yam429]

Sorry I stand corrected I meant upper control arm. I guess that wouldn't help him out much being that he still needs a new lower. Or find someone on this site that's selling a used one and save yourself some money that's what I did.

 

[Off Trail Mike]

Westinbrad:

Not to be the bearer of bad news on Christmas but that spindle looks done too. I wouldn't run it that way. I am assuming you are planning to replace but just to make sure. Also, check the ski bushings. Might as well get all bushings tight.

I am shocked at the wear though. I have 8000km's (5000 miles) on my sled and although I did UPBushman's spindle bushings and the oillites this season, the ball joints are still good for another season at least. Worn yes, but worn out, no. I grease them each year. My xtx is a 10, so maybe they changed spec's along the way???

OTM

 

[SRXSRULE2]

Westinbrad, i just battled the same issue with mine. I don't know about US dollar prices but a new arm out my way was over $300. What I did was got a machinist to make a sleeve that was press fit. Not totally sure how he did it, but he made a piece to press fit on the outer race of the joint, then machined it down and pressed it in the arm. I can't see the extent of your damage on yours so I'm not sure if it can be fixed. What I would do is try to find someone who has done the switch to a skinz front end and try to buy an arm off of them. For the price of two lower arms, you can buy the skinz kit for a little more money.

 

[westinbrad]

Thanks Everyone.

The ball joints were extremely rusty and I'm thinking a few hard miles with them like that cause it.

The person I bought it from, and myself for that matter, never seen it go this bad with so low miles.

I've owned Ski-Doo, and Polaris(My first Yamaha), and never really had a problem with the front end joints. I usually sell the machines with 6k or less miles though.

I think I'll look for some new lowers, I was thinking I'm going to need a new spindle also...

Thanks again everyone.

 

[linemech31]

Here us what i havebeen doing, Before every ride I put a few drops of my 75-90 gear oil on all balljoints and tie rod ends. Im over 3 k miles on my 09 xtx and ball joints and tie rod ends do have some play but are still " good" . I will be honest though it makes a mess and collects dirt. I use mobil1 but im sure anything is better than nothing. If i had to replace my arms and spindles like you will id look hard at the aftermarket stuff

 

[ccchris]

I had the exact same damage- all joints toast and damage to both spindles. I started to make the parts list and add up costs and decided my money would be better spent with a new front end.
I went with zbros 43 + 1, looks awesome but not enough snow to get a ride in..