Loose Handlebars - 2007 Apex

[MuskegMatt]

The handlebar assembly on my 2007 apex is loose and makes a creeking sound when I wiggle it. Unfortunately the problem is down at the bottom of the steering column. Possibly where it connects to the tie rods. The rods themselves don't appear to be loose. Any ideas as to what is loose? I am concerned that fixing this is going to be a big problem because it seems to be in the dead middle of the sled.... Would I have to take apart a lot of it to access the part that needs tightening.
The wiggle has about 5 deg of play on either side. (ie ends of handlebars move about 1" in rotation on wither side before engaging the steering)
The sled is an 07 and had a previous owner but was pretty much brand new when i got it (400km). I've done a fair bit of work on it and inspected it closely. As far as I can tell there is nothing to suggest is had an accident to cause the looseness in the steering column.
Any suggestions on what this could be, and how difficult it will be to fix it?

Thanks

 

[Blue Dave]

This is a common problem. There are just so many rod ends in the system that when they wear slightly the slop all adds up. Some of the slop that you feel in your steering can also actually be in in your A arm mounting bushings. I put an oilite front end bushing kit in and the OFT racing oilite steering bushings. This helped tremendously.

Here is s link to a thread on this subject. http://www.ty4stroke.com/viewtopic.php? ... ght=oilite

 

[MuskegMatt]

Thanks. I see now there are other postings suggesting this. I have a feeling this is where the problem is. I will try replacing the bushings. Thanks again.

 

[Soldier'spapa]

Welcome to the forum!

Because you mentioned a "creeking" sound I would suggest you take a look at the steering post and horizontal shaft bushings. They can be disassembled, cleaned and lubed. Two years ago I found them dry and noisy on my previous 07 Attak.

The bushings in question are part #18 and #11 on this parts blow-up.

http://highlandsyamaha.com/oemparts/a/y ... a/steering

HTH

 

[Blue Dave]

For the steering shaft bushings I highly recommend the OFT Racing oilite version of these parts. Look in my previous post and the link I put there for more info.

 

[apex55]

Welcome to the forum!

Because you mentioned a "creeking" sound I would suggest you take a look at the steering post and horizontal shaft bushings. They can be disassembled, cleaned and lubed. Two years ago I found them dry and noisy on my previous 07 Attak.

The bushings in question are part #18 and #11 on this parts blow-up.

http://highlandsyamaha.com/oemparts/a/y ... a/steering

HTH

X2
Creeking was the horizontal shaft for me. I replaced all the #18 bushings with the OEM ones, but there is an aftermarket one some guys liked. I cleaned and re-lubed the horizontal shaft bushing which is #11 in the blowup.