Frozen steering?

[stevewithOCD]

I appreciate the feed back.

Sledgeorge discusses snow dust. I looked into trying to keep it out, virtually impossible. Vents and slots all over the cowl for cooling.

Piston head had a good idea about keeping the boots lubed but this is already being done.

I think Steve has found the issue. The schematics show a cylindrical tube at the btm of the steering shaft that has a bolt up through it. My gut feeling was that this area is holding water in some hidden spot and is not lubed. Also this area receives minimal engine heat so that’s not helping.

Just back from Mont Valin so I’ll put it in the garage tmw and see what I can do. I will try and spray it for now and when convenient take it apart and see about perhaps a waterproof grease like Belray for the dirt bikes. It almost looks like it needs a grease fitting on the tube.

I will update with results. Thanks again.

Use something that shoots like a liquid then leaves a film or greasy coating. Then it will keep water OFF the moveable parts.
Some motorcycle chain lubes do this, but don't use the ones that dry..................well, dry.

I may have to PM you about my favorite riding area Mt Valin they should call Mt Heaven.
I believe this is where Moses actually stood when he received the 15 Commandments, but there were TOO many Doo's so he decided to climb Mt Sinai

 

[Mr.V]

Use something that shoots like a liquid then leaves a film or greasy coating. Then it will keep water OFF the moveable parts.
Some motorcycle chain lubes do this, but don't use the ones that dry..................well, dry.

I may have to PM you about my favorite riding area Mt Valin they should call Mt Heaven.
I believe this is where Moses actually stood when he received the 15 Commandments, but there were TOO many Doo's so he decided to climb Mt Sinai

 

[Mr.V]

Frozen steering update.

Sled sat in dark trailer at moderate temp and melted out. Moved it into garage, steering frozen again.

Jacked it up and removed rubber boot on steering shaft side to investigate. Good access. Sure enough just like Steve said there is a ball joint at btm of steering shaft. Frozen, sprayed ball joint and steering lossemed right up. It’s definitely the ball joint. Let it sit, sprayed again then tried to press some belray waterproof grease into area. I pray with regular service this is the end of this whole steering debacle. Two separate serious accidents have resulted in myself having 3 tendons re attached on each shoulder. I really appreciate when the steering is working correctly.

Noticed as it thawed a coarse threaded bolt on the floor. Turned out it was out of the top cowl piece. All cowl bolts are loose.

Thanks to all and especially Steve. The help provided really accelerated my whole detective process.

Now to test it out!!

 

[stevewithOCD]

Now if we can just get some lube in those shoulders...........................I don't recommend Lubri-Film though.
But i DO recommend J.R. Watkins Liniment.

 

[Brotherdan]

Now if we can just get some lube in those shoulders...........................I don't recommend Lubri-Film though.
But i DO recommend J.R. Watkins Liniment.

View attachment 147034

Steve your suppose to apply that to your muscles.Youve been drinking it again haven't you!! Anyway general motors (gm)makes a product called superlube that is clear&safe for rubbers&plastics (not those rubbers though)most dealers carry it.ask for part#12346241 also castle makes the same idea called endura #c1630 which is available at most hardware stores I've used both with great success,use on hinges,ball&socket tierod ends,etc I like that it is clear&has the tube to pinpoint lube at specific area

 

[Dr. FeeLGooD]

My sled is parked in my heated garage unless I am riding it. I loaded it into my truck from the garage, drove 3 hours and unloaded it the next morning. First time frozen. Well, not froze but stiff. I grabbed the skis and swung them left and right. I noticed the right boot going in and out with the rod. There is no way there was snow packed in there. All I had with me was some white lithium grease that I smeared on the rod. It loosened up. The boot must have been wet, even though it was in my garage for 3 days.

 

[Mr.V]

My sled is parked in my heated garage unless I am riding it. I loaded it into my truck from the garage, drove 3 hours and unloaded it the next morning. First time frozen. Well, not froze but stiff. I grabbed the skis and swung them left and right. I noticed the right boot going in and out with the rod. There is no way there was snow packed in there. All I had with me was some white lithium grease that I smeared on the rod. It loosened up. The boot must have been wet, even though it was in my garage for 3 days.

 

[Mr.V]

Frozen steering update chapter 2

For the love of god, all Sidewinder owners need to peel open the boot on the steering shaft side and spray the ball joint on the btm of the steering shaft.

After spraying the joint the steering was so loose I was initially unnerved. This machine has never been so easy to steer. Rode the tight twisty trails for 340 km yesterday and it bordered on effortless.

I think that the joint is not “frozen” with water but not lubed from the factory. The cold weather contracted the metal in the socket on the steering shaft over the ball joint leading to excessive friction. When the steering shaft heats up the heat is transferred to the socket which slightly expands over the ball giving the illusion of thawing out. Once mine started “freezing up” it would do it repeatedly and often several times a day.

Currently minus 30 C here. Heading out shortly for another ride. Today will tell the tale.

Now for a shot of that concoction from Steve.

 

[stevewithOCD]

LOL
I have a remedy for everything.........................except women!
I don't understand them. So i get a new one every month. Wish i could afford to do that with my sleds.

I'm glad i had to replace my steering post 'cuz i would have never known how easy my steering should be.
Mine had paint on the ball that must have got into the socket.