Question about installing idler wheels.

[tapp1]

Hi just got a set of new idler wheels out of the Yamaha Accessory Catalog:

Is there any thing I need to do these before installing grease/lube? Any tricks to installing the rear wheels?

Thanks

 

[arteeex]

First tip; don't replace the wheels while the sled is moving.

There's no need for grease or lube.

If you're unsure of the order and position of the spacers and such take some digital pictures of the assembly before you remove anything.

Loosen the axle bolt, lift and support the rear of the sled, loosen the track tensioners (count the number of full rotations - five should do - that you back the nut off, on reassembly drive them in the same number - saves time on aligning the track), remove the axle bolt completely, pluck out the pieces and then put the new wheels back in by inching in the axle and replacing the washers, spacers and tensioners in the proper order as you go.

Reset the track tension. Tighten the axle bolt. Wait for snow.

 

[tapp1]

Thanks. I got the front idlers in no trouble. The rear axle is PITA. I think I need two sets of hands to put that back together. Do you think it makes a difference which side of the track I re-install the middle idler? It might be easier to get the axle through this first rather than almost last.

 

[apltx08]

Do you think it makes a difference which side of the track I re-install the middle idler?

No difference...just make sure to get all the washers back in their proper place.

I'd install a 4th wheel kit while you're at it, makes things roll a little smoother and if you ever blow a outter axle wheel you usually can still get'er home...

 

[arteeex]

No. It doesn't matter which side of the middle the inner wheel is installed. On a 4-wheel setup you'll have the two inner wheels, obviously, on both sides of the center. Just be sure to get the spacers in the proper order.

I always have a problem with the washers adjacent to the tensioners. It just requires patience and colorful language - only one of which I'm have command of during this exercise.

 

[tapp1]

No. It doesn't matter which side of the middle the inner wheel is installed. On a 4-wheel setup you'll have the two inner wheels, obviously, on both sides of the center. Just be sure to get the spacers in the proper order.

I always have a problem with the washers adjacent to the tensioners. It just requires patience and colorful language - only one of which I'm have command of during this exercise.

I agree. Testing my patience with those.

 

[apltx08]

I agree. Testing my patience with those.

:exc:

 

[tapp1]

Got them in, so I thought I would post some before and after shots:

 

[yamahaboy701]

Looks really good! Those wheels look way different on a sled compared to the pictures at the top of this thread.

 

[stopdropanroll]

Looks really good! Those wheels look way different on a sled compared to the pictures at the top of this thread.

X2, that looks great on the sled.