Steering Slop

[OST]

I know most sleds have a little play in their steering, however I have noticed much more steering slop in my Venture Lite this year over last season.

I have 4900 km's (2900 mi) on the sled, and there is probably 1 and 1/2 inch play at the end of the handlebars. I tried an 08 model at the dealer today and it certainly has considerably less play (probably 1/2 inch).

I'd like to know if anyone has had their dealer fix the steering slop.
Is this an update item as well?

I thought I had read a post a few weeks ago on this very issue, but I cannot find it now.

 

[cannondale27]

In my opinion the safety recall increases slop since the bushings for the pivots are longer.Some have said just opposite.Anyway if you had the recall work done that could be reason you have more this year than last.Other thing to look for is worn out a-arm bushings and spindle heims.My bushings were wore bad around 2000mi.

 

[OST]

I have had the steering recall done in November, and yes ... I have noticed a lot of slop in the A-Arm bushings. Dealer has bushings on order (as usual, not in stock).

cannondale27 ... What are you calling the spindle heims?

 

[SkyHiFX114]

QST check this little bolt under the head light bracket on the right side of the sled. mine backed off to the clip. it holds the steering linkage to the frame and caused exaclty waht ur talking about.

 

[cannondale27]

I have had the steering recall done in November, and yes ... I have noticed a lot of slop in the A-Arm bushings. Dealer has bushings on order (as usual, not in stock).

cannondale27 ... What are you calling the spindle heims?

The balljoints on the ends of a-arms.

 

[OST]

Thanks for the feedback.

Sled is currently at dealer for the reverse and starting update.
I will check the steering linkage bolt when I get it back. (Although I'm pretty sure the dealer would have checked this as well)

I did check ball joints last week and they seemed ok. Just A-Arm and shock bushings were a little worn.
Dealer has the bushings on order. I will install these myself when they arrive, as well as grease zerks in the A-Arms.

 

[xc_phazer137]

DOWN AT THE BOTTOM THERE IS A SPLINDED SHAFT THE STEM GO'S INTO! WE CUT UP POP CANS AND SHOVED IT IN THERE. THAT HELPED TOO. THE REST OF THE GUYS ARE RIGHT THO "BALL JOINTS, BUSHINGS, HIME JOINTS NEED TO BE INSPECTED" AND REPLACED IF BAD.