Suspension and steering bushings.

[Vincenthdfan]

Yeah, the OFT's wont remove 100% of the slop due to the inherent design of the steering system on these sleds.

They kind of remind me of the old Chevy and Ford vans of the 80's...there are so many convoluted bends and joints in the system and the more joints you add, the more slop you introduce into the system.

It may only be a little play at this joint and the next joint down the line, but when they are all added up it ends up being a lot of play overall.

The one thing you can do to gain a lot of ground back is adding the OFT's.

It really does make a tremendous difference.

Yeah, there is a little play left when your done in the tie rod ends, but all that slop in the steering stem is 100% gone.

It at least puts the Yamaha on par with my other sleds (Polaris's) which have far less steering joints, turns, and bends. Which was what I was hoping to attain.

 

[Irv]

Yeah, the OFT's wont remove 100% of the slop due to the inherent design of the steering system on these sleds.

They kind of remind me of the old Chevy and Ford vans of the 80's...there are so many convoluted bends and joints in the system and the more joints you add, the more slop you introduce into the system.

It may only be a little play at this joint and the next joint down the line, but when they are all added up it ends up being a lot of play overall.

The one thing you can do to gain a lot of ground back is adding the OFT's.

It really does make a tremendous difference.

Yeah, there is a little play left when your done in the tie rod ends, but all that slop in the steering stem is 100% gone.

It at least puts the Yamaha on par with my other sleds (Polaris's) which have far less steering joints, turns, and bends. Which was what I was hoping to attain.

Good to know, thanks

 

[bjowett]

I'm working on upgraded tie rod ends for most sections of the steering... the kit wil be available this summer. Stay tuned.....

 

[Irv]

I'm working on upgraded tie rod ends for most sections of the steering... the kit wil be available this summer. Stay tuned.....

Sounds good

 

[kinger]

I wish we could go right over the top of the motor like diamond S does and eliminate all those joints around the oil tank.

 

[cannondale27]

These are what I used as replacements on Phazer.Work well and are booted to keep crud out.They are bigger than stock so no guarantee will fit Apex.They are from 04,05 YFZ.

http://www.ty4stroke.com/viewtopic.php?t=93662

 

[Essarex]

If you don't want to spend money on the oilite steering blocks, you can do what I did and machine a little off the bottom of the two half blocks and reinstall them with a good waterproof grease. This is simliar to what is done on connecting rods when the big end is oversized due to wear. Only with a rod, you have to then remachine the ID to make it round. For the plastic steering blocks, it will be out of round BUT, the plastic will flow a little and conform to the round steering stem and the grease will eliminate any further wear.

 

[Irv]

If you don't want to spend money on the oilite steering blocks, you can do what I did and machine a little off the bottom of the two half blocks and reinstall them with a good waterproof grease. This is simliar to what is done on connecting rods when the big end is oversized due to wear. Only with a rod, you have to then remachine the ID to make it round. For the plastic steering blocks, it will be out of round BUT, the plastic will flow a little and conform to the round steering stem and the grease will eliminate any further wear.

Sounds like a good idea and a cheap alternative but I think I will just bite the bullet and get the OFT ones.

My luck I would end up taking too much material off and have to buy new anyways?

Thanks for the idea/tip just the same though

 

[Vincenthdfan]

I'm working on upgraded tie rod ends for most sections of the steering... the kit wil be available this summer. Stay tuned.....

Ive been waiting for someone to come up with a good, strong alternative for the wear prone factory tie rod ends.

I'd buy some in a heart beat!

 

[Super Sled]

I'm working on upgraded tie rod ends for most sections of the steering... the kit wil be available this summer. Stay tuned.....

Let us know when these are coming out!!!!!

 

[Irv]

I'm working on upgraded tie rod ends for most sections of the steering... the kit wil be available this summer. Stay tuned.....

Any time frame your shooting for Bjowett, I just ordered the OFT and Ulmers Oilites kits and when they come in (7-10 days or less) I plan on tearing things apart and getting these new parts installed.

 

[Irv]

Any DIY's, tips, pics etc for removing the seat, gas tank etc in order to access the steering blocks?

Both kits are in and wouldn't mind getting started.

Thanks

 

[kinger]

Nope just jump in, the tank is easy to get off just takes some time. I can almost remember ther count of screws and nuts to get access to it, it will take you about 2 hours the first time after that about 20 mins LOL.

 

[Irv]

Nope just jump in, the tank is easy to get off just takes some time. I can almost remember ther count of screws and nuts to get access to it, it will take you about 2 hours the first time after that about 20 mins LOL.

Decided to jump in Kinger, not too bad of a job, a little taxing the first time around but it went good with no hiccups.

My steering is definitely tighter than what it was but I think the most slop is coming from the front centre bulk head area?(don't know proper name, pic below)

I was glad to see, at least on one steering block, that Yamaha had put some grease in there during assembly. It looked like white grease and a touch was still remaining but the other was completely dry.
When I was removing the right front bushing, you could definitely see evidence of the Rust Check I had sprayed around there, it had creeped in like it was suppose to do so for those that don't plan on doing this or the Ulmer's front end bushing kit, get some Rust Check and do all your bushing areas.

More pics below, if anyone wants this put into a DIY, let me know and I will try and do my best to explain it fully.

Thanks for everyones help!

 

[TOMBOB]

SUSPENSION AND BUSHINGS

i replace my bulk head bushing and while everything was out, i lube the steering
gate below the battery. a spacer feel out fron back two lage brackets. i don't know what there for. lost one under the engine. no part number?
will there be problem not reinstalling them.

tombob