Does anyone use Oilite bushings in their RX?

[ViperTurboPete]

I changed the oil, filter and sliders (after almost 4 winters for sliders) on my RX1M and while my sled was on the lift I noticed my front end is baffed. There is so much play and I can't understand how I have been riding like that.

Has anyone used Oilite bushings and how hard are they to install? Are they worth it? I have never taken apart my front end before, so I am just wondering if it is a big job. I hope I don't have to rip the guts out just to get at the nuts and bolts.

 

[JROCK]

Definitely worth the upgrade. Tightens up the front end for a very long time! Install is not bad remove airbox.... do a search you`ll find lots of info. Ulmer racing has these bushings if there in stock.

 

[maim]

x2. did mine last seaon and what a diference.

 

[thrasher]

Definitely removes all the slack when skis are off the ground. Didn't really notice any real world difference in handling once the oilites were installed. However, felt much better knowing the front end was tight. Not a big job, have a buddy over to help, have a few beers, an afternoon well spent.

 

[APEX 06]

Ride a lot nicer, not that hard to replace takes about 2 1/2 hours.

 

[ViperTurboPete]

Thanks guys for the info!

Hypothetically speaking....if I was to try out my stock narrow front end kit on my RX1M and installed the Oilites. If I didn't like the narrow kit, are the bushings easily removable??? I remember reading somewhere that the tolerances are pretty tight which may mean that they would be hard to get out. I don't want to be stuck with the narrow kit if I didn't like the experiment.

 

[ViperTurboPete]

I ordered the Oilites yesterday. 140 bucks +tax shipped from Removed which is near Ottawa somewhere. Nice to have a place in Ontario to order from rather than paying shipping/duty/brokerage fees from the US. I will be ordering more stuff from Removed by the looks of it.

 

[Raypex]

Thanks guys for the info!

Hypothetically speaking....if I was to try out my stock narrow front end kit on my RX1M and installed the Oilites. If I didn't like the narrow kit, are the bushings easily removable??? I remember reading somewhere that the tolerances are pretty tight which may mean that they would be hard to get out. I don't want to be stuck with the narrow kit if I didn't like the experiment.

I've got 'em in my Apex RTX. Great kit. Be sure to install them with a bushing driver set! They are quite tight and you really don't want to distort them. On the Apex, the inner bulkhead ones are impossible to drive in, so I carefully pulled them in with the bolt and nut. Also be super careful about which bushings go where. Some are almost identical (but not)
IMO i wouldn't think you could remove all of them without any damage. I guess it's a risk you're going to have to consider. Maybe you should find out if anyone else went back to a narrow front end and was happier.
BTW, I'd recommend fixing loose and wore out steering joints etc. while you've got it apart. These things wear too!

 

[ViperTurboPete]

Is a bushing driver set a must? I don't have one, but it looks like I have to buy one. I am going to have to ponder the wide vs narrow kit....

 

[Raypex]

MUST ? dunno. I'd say if you could borrow one it's definetly helpful. If not, maybe make your own with sockets and extensions. They won't slip inside but will help ensure even insertion. Either way, don't rush. Take your time and tap 'em in gently. They aren't that delicate but you definetly don't want to distort them!
Wide vs. Narrow ; i can't help with.