Welding slide rails.

[mckracker]

While inspecting my mono suspension found both rails cracked and the w-arm cracked. Took everything to get welded and braced. The welder told me that he was having trouble getting the weld to stick to the rails and said he couldnt do it.

Anyone else ran into this issue? Or had them welded with no problems at all with the weld adhering to the rail? Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Crewchief47]

I had a rail welded on my 2000 a couple years ago and that guy had no problems. I think you may need to find a different welder.

 

[RX1Jim]

Getting the weld to stick?????? What the h..... The rails are extruded aluminum, should be a piece of cake for a reasonably experienced TIG welder. Go to a welding shop that specializes in aluminum. Welding these should be NO problem.

 

[Len Todd]

I have welded several of my alum Arctic Cat rails. Always had to weld in and re-drill the holes in the rails.

 

[mckracker]

I'm taking them to another welder next week. He said hes welded alot of rails with no problems. The guy that had trouble must have been using improper rod or something. Hes done a number on the rail that he tried to weld, hopefully the next welder can fix it up.

Thanks for the info, I just wanted to verify that its the welder and not the aluminium that the rails are made from.

 

[BURMAD69]

Just buy new ones, Ive welded several over the years and they dont last,they will crack again and again right next to the weld (Yes i'm a certified welder) I think for my old ZR they were only 75 bucks apiece. weld and brace the w arm without any concerns.

 

[RX1Jim]

If you buy news ones, be prepared to shell out $400, that the price I got from 2 yamaha dealers. I reccommend getting a pair of used but good ones from members of this site or contact a sled salvage dealer. $400 is alot of money for those rails!! I'm looking for a complete pro-action suspension to rebuild and have as a spare.

 

[mckracker]

Got all the welding done last week. They did an awesome job. The W-Arm is reinforced and hopefully wont crack again. He said when he was grinding out the other guys botched weld job on the rails, sparks were flying. Obviously the other guy used the wrong type of rod.

Finally got the skid installed.

 

[RX1Jim]

The first guy you rought the aluminum rails to for welding was an idiot. If sparks were flying it means he was using a filler material meant for STEEL. I hops this guy doesn't try to do any welding on anthing critical for life/safety because he will get someone killed!!! What a dope!!!!

 

[4Fighter]

I fabricated 1/4 alum. plates to reinforce my rails took them to a shop and had them welded on, all holes filled and re-centered, and the crack that started it all - repaired for $40. For someone who knows what they are doing, it's a piece of cake.

 

[mckracker]

Do you have a pic of how he reinforced your rails. Where mine cracked there is already 2 pieces on either side of the rail that bolt on for reinforcement. I guess if it happens again I will just get them welded on and pitch the bolts.

 

[4Fighter]

Do you have a pic of how he reinforced your rails. Where mine cracked there is already 2 pieces on either side of the rail that bolt on for reinforcement. I guess if it happens again I will just get them welded on and pitch the bolts.

It didn't work - the Alum. was hardened in the process and it cracked too. I would leave the bolts, and fab thicker brackets, and bolt them on. I heard about a factory re-enforcement bracket that is supposed to be heavier but I can't find it.

 

[suprfst]

The rails are heat treated from the factory.To be properly welded they need to be anealed before being welded then reheattreated. If its just welded it will crack again. If your filling holes that are egged out that can be done.Still its not going to be as strong as stock but it works.

Best bet is to make brackets to strengthen around the crack if possible.I had a crack in one rail on my 121"mono rail made brckets out of cromoly and crack never got any worse nor did other side crack.

 

[irondog rtx]

ok boys now the old man chimes in welding rails have had eyes filled in and drilled worked for a while. seen snapped rails done dont work cracks well maybe. I was told that yami rails are heat treated to be hard .If I ran welded rails of any type I would not feel the love from my skid also I am a 90% ice rider very little snow last ten years out this way in alaska. I would drop the 400.00 for peace of mind my 2 cents

 

[ViperMan]

I've got a set of rails off a 07 Phazer FX. Yamaha parts catalog shows same p/n for 121" all years 2007-2010. I had a shaft bolt come loose and hog out 2 holes. Need to be filled and re-drilled. There are no cracks.

P/N is 8GC-W4741 -00-00 and list from Yamaha is $228.00 each.....OUCH! If anyone is interested in these please contact me and I can send photos. My cell phone is 607-222-7943. -Dave