Do limiter straps stretch?

[Mooseman]

Related to this thread:
http://www.ty4stroke.com/viewtopic.php?t=115448

With the skid out of the sled, the straps didn't hold the suspension, even in the lowest (shortest) hole. The shock basically held the suspension so that's why I think that's why my shock broke when the suspension would fully extend and the piston would hit the top of the inside of the shock. I drilled a lower hole in the straps and they are now working as they should

So do straps stretch? Should they be replaced on a regular basis?

 

[Mooseman]

Anybody? Comments?

 

[BOUNTYHUNTER]

So do straps stretch? Should they be replaced on a regular basis?

ABSOLUTELY....There are ONLY two straps there. I don't belive they will ever stretch enough to be a problem though, but they do stretch.

...They even break on BOOSTED SLEDS.......Four NEW ONES on this RTX-T

 

[Mooseman]

But is it normal for the suspension, fully extended, to be held by the shock rather than the straps? I think mine are stretched out to the point they are not holding anything back.

 

[Blue Dave]

Are you saying that your limiter straps are not tight and the shock is fully extended? If so, that does not sound right to me. However I would have never thought that the limiter straps could stretch that much before breaking.

 

[BOUNTYHUNTER]

But is it normal for the suspension, fully extended, to be held by the shock rather than the straps? I think mine are stretched out to the point they are not holding anything back.

I have to use a ratchet strap to compress it enough to mount the limiter straps, so something is wrong there. Loosen the track and drop the skid it's only a couple of bolts. You can lift the rear end and have a better look and even pull out the skid as maybe there is something your just not seeing.

 

[cannondale27]

I agree.
Also where your rail broke I also broke mine.It comes from bending the shaft.If it was straightened easy it will bend again putting stress on the rails.With the latest link update they changed the material the shaft is made of.It is much stronger maybe tool steel or Chromemoly.I also added full length oil lite bushings to the pivot that rides on that shaft and some reinforcing blocks to the rails.

 

[copo427ss]

What skid is this? I'm assuming its a mono skid, and you have the skid out on the floor or bench and your limiter straps are loose. Right?

 

[Mooseman]

I can't remember for sure if the straps on my original skid were stretched but definitely those on the replacement used VL skid were loose. I'm definitely getting new ones. Good idea on using four straps.

My shaft was bent and I straightened it but swapped it with the one from the rear shock mount shaft, which was straight. I think that the broken shock just bent it to hell like that, especially in such a short time.

Could the newer shafts be retrofitted? And where did you get the Oilite bushings and those reinforcing blocks? And is there any other bushings that could be used (Oilite?) other than those skimpy plastic ones for the upper mounting shaft?

 

[BOUNTYHUNTER]

And where did you get the Oilite bushings and those reinforcing blocks? And is there any other bushings that could be used (Oilite?) other than those skimpy plastic ones for the upper mounting shaft?

LOOKS HOME MADE....Fabulous idea on those reinforcing blocks......MUCH STRONGER

I Lov when guys make kool stuff.....always gives me more ideas

 

[Mooseman]

I wish I had the skills and equipment to be able to make stuff like that. I'd say there would be a market for these as well as other parts that Yamaha failed on.

 

[sgilbert]

I'm dealing with it right now, every suspension I have ever seen has very little preload if any on the straps. I wish there was another way to limit with links. or bumpers.

 

[cannondale27]

I can't remember for sure if the straps on my original skid were stretched but definitely those on the replacement used VL skid were loose. I'm definitely getting new ones. Good idea on using four straps.

My shaft was bent and I straightened it but swapped it with the one from the rear shock mount shaft, which was straight. I think that the broken shock just bent it to hell like that, especially in such a short time.

Could the newer shafts be retrofitted? And where did you get the Oilite bushings and those reinforcing blocks? And is there any other bushings that could be used (Oilite?) other than those skimpy plastic ones for the upper mounting shaft?

Yes the newest shaft could be retrofitted.I would hope if you order one it will be the new material.The bushings for the pivot were bought at local ACE hardware.OD was perfect ID I chucked whole pivot in Lathe and turned ID to size.The blocks were made very slowly in a drill press with a endmill.The whole key to this skid surviving is to have everything right including the shocks.I honestly dont know if all the reinforcing is necessary since I also put a Custom Axis rear shock in at same time.Before doing all this I broke that skid in some way every single weekend.Nothing has broken last 3 seasons.Proper shock function will save you $ and downtime in the long run.

 

[Mooseman]

My MP ain't no ditch banger but bad moguls on the trails with do the same thing. I'll just baby it this season and upgrade things in the off season.

Our hardware stores here are too lame to have Oilites or anything like that and I don't have a lathe. Maybe the TSC Store has some but I'd have to find someone to mill them down for me. Or maybe fleabay might have some. I'd have to get some measurements and someone with a lathe.

You could make a bunch and become a vendor (hint, hint)