My Issue with OFT Steering Bushing-Plus the fix

[02ViperMody44]

I was noticing a lot of play in my steering column, allowing the handle bars to wiggle forwards and backwards/side to side. Had installed OFT steering bushings(oilites) last season. Apprx. 2000 miles on them. I pulled the one closest to my handlebar apart, and was thinking that maybe the bearing was shot. Didn't appear to be. Was thinking that the tolerance for the bearing was too loose, but saw that there was a slight gap where the bearings meet. So I took a file to one of the bearing cups and filed it down some. Third trial fit was the charm. That was the cure, now there is no slop in my steering column. The OFT steering bushing cups may need a little "fine tuning" to make them fit like you would expect them to be.
Just something to be aware of.
Now bring on the white stuff...I got nothing more to do on her...the new Curves are aligned and ready to go!!

 

[Rich Kay]

Glad ya got it fixed..... I did that trick to my stock ones when my sled was still pretty new and it has stayed nice since.

 

[Irv]

Got lucky with mine I guess, no need to file anything.