Ice build up on steering rod and rack

[sleddingortho]

Just got back from a trip UP north. Sled ran great but late on second day could not move handlebars so could not steer sled. Ice build up in boots covering rack prevented proper steering. Woke up this morning and steering was completely frozen and unable to ride. Any suggestions?

 

[sleddingortho]

Sorry should have mentioned 2018 SRViper-LTX.

 

[cannondale27]

I lube those rods and silicones every hole in bulkhead I found. You are going to have to thaw it. Go buy extension cord and hair dryer. Shove it under there and cover it with a tarp or blankets and then snow. It will melt off but it's going to take a while.

 

[sleddingortho]

Thanks for the tip on the silicone. Really surprised how much ice build up there was and how dangerous the situation could have been. Seems like a major design flaw to me. I have been riding various Yamaha sleds for over 20 years and have never experienced anything like that before.

 

[hellflyer]

It seems to biuld up if your running in a lot of snow dust! Melts in the rad and drips down then freezes. I've had it happen while riding but didnt affect steering much but I could see it happening if riding without turning much.

 

[snowhite]

Just another goofy engineering flaw, cat specialist! Not meant to be ridden off a hard pack trails, and that’s the truth.

 

[jjmoneysauce]

Common issue from snow dust getting in the engine compartment. Frog skin, baffling, or neoprene seals are the new and traditional solutions.