Rear idler wheel flew off!!!

[Apex_GT]

my rear right side idler wheel flew off and is missing..can I just release track tension and slide a new one on?? Is it really bad to still sled without it?

 

[gitrdun]

When you say idler wheel, are you talking the rearmost 5 inch wheel, or are you talking the 7 inch guide wheel at the very back. If it is the 7 inch on the passenger side, you have to loosen the track and pull the bolt out because the bolt end is usually on the passenger side and the nut is on the drivers side. If you push a rod or bar through of similar size from the drivers side, as you push the bolt out, it may save you some disassembly, otherwise make note of where each part goes and which way the track tensioner bolts point. And no, I would not drive unnecessarily with an outside guide wheel missing.

 

[Apex_GT]

Thanks a lot .. it is the 7 inch rear guide wheel on the passenger side..great tips there..really helps..

 

[GUKROKIT]

If you had a fourth wheel kit on it losing an outside idler wouldn't be a big deal. You would be able to keep going. I now put them on all my sleds since I almost had a trip ruined by losing a rear idler. Might be a good time to add one while you're in there.

 

[gitrdun]

Also worth considering is, if this is an original factory guide wheel, the outside ones on 2007 and neighbouring years I believe, did not have seals that are removable and therefore saw limited servicing. Meaning, that after six, seven tears of water getting in there, they are starting to disintegrate. So I would seriously consider changing the other outside wheel also. Oddly enough, the original middle wheel actually has a seal that can be removed and serviced. The newer style six spoke plastic ones from Yamaha, have replaceable bearings AND have a seal that can be carefully removed allowing you to clean it out and regrease.

 

[CaptCaper]

Also worth considering is, if this is an original factory guide wheel, the outside ones on 2007 and neighbouring years I believe, did not have seals that are removable and therefore saw limited servicing. Meaning, that after six, seven tears of water getting in there, they are starting to disintegrate. So I would seriously consider changing the other outside wheel also. Oddly enough, the original middle wheel actually has a seal that can be removed and serviced. The newer style six spoke plastic ones from Yamaha, have replaceable bearings AND have a seal that can be carefully removed allowing you to clean it out and regrease.

Right on....

 

[Apex_GT]

Thanks..will change both...I think there's one or two days left of riding here before the meltdown..really bad timing as I don't think I can get it fixed before then..that's why I was wondering about riding with a missing rear guide wheel..lol my exhaust is loose and rattling, and getting louder (by taillight) too. So I guess my sled is done until next year..

 

[karlburns]

What all comes with the 4 the wheel kits? In curious if it's just an aluminum sleeve and a wheel or is it an actual part to put on the shaft? I'm looking to add one myself but haven't pulled the skid to look at it.

 

[GUKROKIT]

You could just buy another inner wheel and cut your existing sleeve or buy the kit that comes with the new sleeves.

 

[rwill2cruz]

Just lost my drivers side rear wheel today. Just the inner bearing race left on the machine. I had to run that way for 125 kms to get back and had no issues.

 

[steiner]

What all comes with the 4 the wheel kits? In curious if it's just an aluminum sleeve and a wheel or is it an actual part to put on the shaft? I'm looking to add one myself but haven't pulled the skid to look at it.

You can make your own 4th wheel kit. All you need to purchase is a large rear wheel. Cut a small piece out of the spacer and your done.
http://www.ty4stroke.com/threads/4th-wheel-mod.123092/