How does this come apart?

[YukonMP]

When I was going over my 2014 MP I noticed a rusty/grindy idler, foremost inner, located at the base of the front skid shock. I have the shop manual and as I read it these bearings are built into the wheel, ie. not replaceable. The number on the side of the race is 600 SRS.

My questions are:
1. Should I expect dire consequences if I continue to ride the sled till this gets sorted out?
2. Would this be on warranty? The wheel is rusty as heck, none of the others are, I suspect it was assembled
without grease.
3. It looks to me that I have to remove the 14mm bolts on either side of the skid. The entire assembly, both
wheels, the shaft they are on, and the shock mount/linkage thing-a-ma-jig that has a zerk, has to be
pulled up so the bad wheel can be removed. Is that about right and does the entire assembly behave it
self or does it become a pain in the backside?
4. If it isn't much of a job I might just do it myself. Is there a wheel/bearing option I should look at to
make this more reliable in the long run. There are only 2600km on this now.

I'll try to attach photos if I can remember how. Hope everyone is well. We are getting some snow and the lake is freezing slowly.

 

[Mooseman]

That sounds about right. I usually do that work when the skid is out. A better and cheaper wheel are the ones from a 2014 Apex. Sorry. No part numbers. I'm on my phone right now. They are much nicer looking and have replaceable bearings. Another option are Excell wheels. They are 135mm instead of 130mm, helping to make the slides last longer.

 

[YukonMP]

Thanks Mooseman. I'm trying to learn how to do some of this own my own so I went looking for part numbers myself starting with a link from another thread.

https://www.yamahagenuineparts.com/Parts/Parts.asp

There I confirmed that all of my idlers are the same part number and have non-replaceable bearings (8ET-47310-00-00 at $78.74) whereas the 2014 Apex idlers have replaceable bearings (SMA-8HF38-01-BK at $31.95). If I was clever I'd buy two for the Apex, replace both while it is apart and keep a spare for my next glitchy wheel. I'll also keep an eye out for cheaper bearings as Yamaha wants about $25 for the Apex bearing only. Is there a way for me to confirm the ID and OD of these assemblies?

I'm a little reluctant to change the wheel size although 5mm is minimal. It can only load the wheels and the rails at the wheel mounts more whereas load to the runners is more broadly distributed. My opinion might change but I have 2600 km on these sliders and they are still 90%. I only got them hot once and that was on the last day of the season. Interestingly, where the slider material bonded to the track the rubber is more slippery (track has all windows open, every 3rd clipped for those who obsess on such matters).

It sounds a weak admission for someone on this site but I've never had a skid out. Too busy in the summer and no where to work. When you made your post for our summer sled plans I only had one ... to build a shop.


I'll be wiring it soon, the panel is in.

The mounts for my new 8inch P'hounds are in. I checked my toe and found I was 1 inch in and the manual said neutral to .59 inch out. Out? Very weird me thinks. I set them neutral but we'll see what the new skis like. The toe adjustment was an afterthought when I was trying to figure out how to lube the ball joints, tie rod ends, and steering bushing. Long story short, I went with 80/w90 gear oil. Easy to squirt on, has some body, but thin enough to get in. When the sled is inside having its behind melted out I'll warm up the oil and squirt a little in. It has to do some good and I can't see a down side.

I was thinking about the next installment of the 'My Venture MP Experience' thread. I thought it might be useful to capture the ins and outs of a relative novice learning to maintain and modify this machine. This might be the place. Don't anyone be shy about chipping in, it may turn into a bit of a social corner for we Venture MP and Lite riders.

 

[Mooseman]

Sharing of information is what this place is all about so post on! That's why we had this section created specifically for the VL/MP.

Toe has always been a little out on pretty much everything including cars and sleds. It makes steering more stable. If you've every steered something with toe-in, it's downright squirrely!

I use a spray white lithium grease. Comes out in an almost liquid form so it seeps into the joint and then thickens up. A bit messy but works.

That looks like it will be a very nice shop. Wish I had something like that. All I have is a tiny garage under the house. Someday...

 

[Pat tremblett]

I have to admit I do not know much about taking apart snow machines. Would love to do some modifications but am too nervous about screwing it up.
Well I am envious of both of you. My work shop is my back lawn down town Ottawa.
On the plus side we have snow now.
Let the games begin.

 

[BombaPolaYama]

I have to admit I do not know much about taking apart snow machines. Would love to do some modifications but am too nervous about screwing it up.
Well I am envious of both of you. My work shop is my back lawn down town Ottawa.
On the plus side we have snow now.
Let the games begin.

You'll find great help on here!

 

[YukonMP]

I got the new idlers in, not really too difficult. I ended up unbolting the limiter strap rod and pulling things around with ratchet straps. Nothing to be wary of Pat. The seal had come out of the bad idler. I'll probably get some use out of it in another position on the skid where it will be easier to swap in and out.

I have been admiring the impressive and indecipherable list of mods Bomba and Mooseman have. I really have been doing my home work on this site and I have a couple of questions for those with more experienced MPs. I'd rather do my donuts before they catch me out part way through a season(or at least have them on hand). When should those of us with newer sleds expect to have them go on us, if that is a reasonable question.

Same for the Upbushman steering/spindle kits and oillite bushings. These seem to be inevitable upgrades/repairs and relatively inexpensive items to have on hand. Better that than find I need them and they are unavailable. I guess it's obvious I'm a bit of a boy scout ie. Be Prepared.

I hope you are all headed out tomorrow and too damn busy to reply until next week. I've had my sway bar off and on in different positions, report to follow for anyone interested.