Mono shock eyelet worn through....

[rehm70]

I'm gonna post a thread in the classifides for these bushing/protector kits.
Derek

 

[Blue Dave]

Derek,

I wish I hadn't already recently installed Ulmer's kit because I like your idea better. I am curious however why you created a flat spot. It would seem to me that leaving it round would be better in case it was able to turn on the bolt.

If my Ulmer kit does not hold up I will see if you are selling these by then. I think that $25 seems fair if you include the longer bolt so everything needed is included.

 

[LJ 452]

Wow, looks familiar. I used sleeves inside the UHMW to prevent it from being crushed by tightening the bolt. Not sure if that would be needed or not. I also put a flat spot in it just to increase the contact surface area if you don’t, it will do it on its own. I got about 2,500 miles on mine until the track cog began rubbing on the nut and bolt head. I didn’t make the diameter much larger than needed to clear the shock, so an oversized one will increase the lifespan. It’s amazing how the rubber wore through the Grade 8 fastener. Definitely worked but lacks the surface area to last much longer than a year. Fortunately the material is cheap and readily available. If you produce this I would plan on making replacement wheels/wear pads.
I ended up redesigning my own and went with a bearing system like the Ulmer setup. I did however change it to use the 6005 bearings (thinner) and made the shock bolt a stud so that you could change the bearings without removing the shock bolt, The first set of bearings lasted one trip, the second set lasted the rest of the year (about 3,800 miles). The stud system was mainly chosen so that I would not lose the bearing holders that I spent time machining.
I also tried using the system that the Attak has, actually cut out and welded on some pretty nice brackets, I don’t think I have any pics, but since the alignment was key to the wear pads not binding in the track cog, I scrapped that idea, and the 30 hours work that went with it.

 

[MCApex44]

I bought the Ulmer kit pictured above but I have not put very many miles on it yet. I have heard that the bearings will not last very long if you have studs in the center of the track like I do.

Does anybody have any feedback on how long the bearings in the Ulmer kit should last with stud heads running over them. I run a fairly loose track and right now I am planning on replacing them yearly.

I have had Ulmers Kit since they came out with it. I think midway through the 06 season and I have put 2500 miles on since then and the bearings are still fine. When I installed the kit there wasn’t any wear on the shock I just did so as a precautionary measure. I am studded in the center with 168 Woodys Mega Bites and I ride my sled like I stole it. I wonder why not everyone is having this problem. I wonder if it has anything to do with the limiter strap and transfer rod adjustments. I have my limiter strap moved up one hole and my transfer rod between half and minimum.

Exactly what Iceman said for me as well...

I remember Allan (Ulmer) told me it should be changed out at about/every 2,000 miles (or so in our case). I changed it at about 3,000 miles and they were still in 'ok' shape. Worth the $20-$25 IMO.

 

[Blue Dave]

LJ,

Did the UHMW make any wear marks in the track during the 2500 miles that it was installed?

Why do you think that the first set of 6005 bearings only lasted one trip while the second set lasted 3800 miles?

 

[Srxspec]

I have replacement bearings with the machined sleeve installed in them for $6 each for anyone that needs them.

 

[rehm70]

.

Derek,

I am curious however why you created a flat spot. It would seem to me that leaving it round would be better in case it was able to turn on the bolt.

The reason is, I made the bushings oversize, then cut the flat spot so the track would have a bigger surface area to ride on.
If there was accellerated wear on the bushing, it could be turned clockwise and a new wear surface would be introduced.
In all reality, THREE wear surfaces can be wrung from this design before replacement is needed.
My bushing is designed not to rotate, doing so would negate the total design of this item.

With that said, I think some sleds have more of a wear issue than others.
Rider weight, riding style, and track selection seem to play in to wear problem.

It will be about a week before I can get these kits processed. I am battling the Noral Virus, and the toilet has become my best friend

Please PM me if you want one of these kits, I will know what I need for supplies.
Thanks
Derek

 

[87gtNOS]

Re: .

It will be about a week before I can get these kits processed. I am battling the Noral Virus, and the toilet has become my best friend

Please PM me if you want one of these kits, I will know what I need for supplies.
Thanks
Derek

Consider yourself lucky....I broke my gawd damn ANKLE yesterday.