Spindle/Ski Shaft play... is it a problem?

[sostarn]

So i put my sled up on jack stands last night (under the lower A-arms) to replace the carbides. Overall, easy job and thumbs up to Berkstrom Skegs!!

Problem: As i was putting the ski on the one side, i noticed once i got the bolt in i could move the ski (along with ski shaft) in the spindle up and down approximately 1/4"... maybe less (no side to side play). The other side seems fine. Is this normal?

Check this: As i was was playing with the ski/spindle, i noticed i got a lot of play in the A-arms at the bushings. So i thought, worn bushings... i'll do them end of this season. Wrong! I noticed the bolt moving and put my fingers on it and tried to turn. The nut isn't loose, but i could turn the entire bolt along with nut. I ran out of time last night, but i'm going to lossen all the bolts/nuts and torque them to spec's and see if issue persists. I'll write an update once completed. BTW - three different bolts, on both sides in lower and upper A-arms seem to be affected.

OR it really is worn bushings and re-torquing the bolts will do nothing lol but i don't think i should be able to turn them in place with my fingers

 

[thrasher]

I don't know if it's a real problem or not. But, I was putting new skis on my 05 Warrior when I noticed the same thing. I had a good half inch or more play in the spindles, and several of the bolts just spun and the nuts were tight. I could see the play in the bushings especially the A-arm bulkhead bushings. Once there is weight on the skis no problem, but that amount of play cannot be good or help with darting issues. I replaced all the front end bushings with a front end bushing kit from Ulmer Racing. Oilite material, much harder than plastic. Once installed, absolutely no play in the front suspension, as for the spinning bolts, I never noticed if they still spun or not, as I know everything was tight anyhow. Makes a good day project with a buddy and a few brews.

 

[BETHEVIPER]

get the bushings from ulmer. the spinning bolts are normal, they float in the bushings, they are only tight to hold them from sliding out.

without a tight front end, you can not do an accurate alignment.

 

[RX1Jim]

I just put Allen Ullmer's bushing kit in my 03 RX-1, I had to make 8 of the bushings for the 03 model since his kit is for models 04 and newer. I made the bushings with the same tolerances as Allen's bushings. This bushing kit does a nice job in reducing the "slop" in the front suspension. Well worth the time and money. The bushings do fit very snugly in the A arms, spindle and bulkhead. Since they are metal, they are not nearly as forgiving as the stock plastic bushings so make sure you lube them up with lithium grease and have them lined up before you start taping them in place.

 

[Len Todd]

There are flanged spindle bushings. They also play a role in limiting vertical travel. I would take a peek at them. I have 1/8" to 3/16" vertical travel and I have never replaced mine. (I just measured them.) It could be that yours have worn off the flanges.

 

[sostarn]

I torqued the bolts to spec and no more play. I took a closer look at one of the bolts and the nut definately came loose as i could see the threads behind it. Good thing i caught this otherwise it could have been a mess when out riding. I don't need to write off another sled lol.

I think i'll look at doing the bushing upgrade after this season is over.