Need help with front end...

[BigMan]

Well, finally got some snow last night, so today I took my 97RMK out and about 5 minutes into my ride I went to cross a small creek. As I was bouncing across my left ski drove into the bank, dang near throwing me like as if I had hit a brick wall. Somehow, the hood suffered a large crack and the inside tierod end was tweaked pretty bad. I changed the tierod end but still the ski is clearly not in align with the right ski. I have looked it over and cannot find any other damage. I was wondering if the shaft that holds the ski on could have twisted inside the spindle??? Is this even possible?? Anyone have any other ideas??? Thanks for any input.

 

[up-high]

The clamp at the top of the spindle(that connects the spindle to the steering rod) has probably moved. Take the nut off and remove the bolt. Re-align the clamp/ski and re-install the bolt.

 

[skibreeze]

The clamp at the top of the spindle(that connects the spindle to the steering rod) has probably moved. Take the nut off and remove the bolt. Re-align the clamp/ski and re-install the bolt.

The spindle can't be adjusted that way. The bolt goes thru a recess in the spindle.

Adjust the toe with the tie rod.

 

[up-high]

The spindle can't be adjusted that way. The bolt goes thru a recess in the spindle.

Adjust the toe with the tie rod.

Thats why I said take the bolt out first. Maybe I should have mentioned that you have to tap the clamp up a little to release the spindle?

 

[BigMan]

I tried to adjust it out with the tie rod ends but there is not near enough adjustment. I looked at the clamp on top of the spindle and it doesn't look like it has moved, but maybe it has.? I'm assuming that clamp has splines so if it the clamp did twist in the spindle wouldn't it have probably stripped the splines or broken the bolt that goes through it? That's what got me thinking maybe it twisted the spindle?? The ski loop is probably toed in 3 or 4 inches so I'm racking my brain thinking where that much movement came from as all else looks straight. Thanks guys for the help.

 

[up-high]

Have you measured to see what the actual toe-in is? The loop could be bent some. I've had this happen to me and you couldn't tell the clamp had spun on the spindle. And the bolt wasn't broken or bent. The splines on the spindle are pretty tough. The ones on the clamp will probably give first.

 

[skibreeze]

Thats why I said take the bolt out first. Maybe I should have mentioned that you have to tap the clamp up a little to release the spindle?

Gee why didn't I think of that???? The spindle is not adjustable because the bolt will only go thru the recess in one spot. I've had 5 of these sleds and trust me I've hit enough rocks to know how to fix them.

 

[BigMan]

The skiis are simmons so the loop is plastic, but you can see the entire ski is sitting crooked with the sled.. it's really noticeable. This happened about 100 yards from the shed and I was barely able to get it back. The way I understand this is that there are splines as well as a bolt all of which at least looks in tact, so that probably couldn't have moved then I would assume?? I'm sure the spindles are pretty stought so it is hard to believe that it would have twisted, but yet, I can't figure out where the difference in toe is coming from? Maybe I'll pull the clamp off the top of the spindle and check the splines and all for sure.

 

[up-high]

Gee why didn't I think of that???? The spindle is not adjustable because the bolt will only go thru the recess in one spot. I've had 5 of these sleds and trust me I've hit enough rocks to know how to fix them.

The spindle doesn't adjust, but the clamp does. Move the clamp on the spindle until it is aligned with the ski. Make sure the handlebars are straight and then adjust the steering rod until the ski aligns with the other ski. I like about 1/4" toe out at the front..

 

[coptzeer]

yes you need to pull the spindle out and inspect it for being strait and true, one would think the aluminum would go first but this is not always true. i bent my spindle last year, unbeleivable because that thing is a heavy peice of steal but it will bend, i also bent the tab on the stearing post so i had to replace it to, its real ez to pull it so just do it and stop scraching your head. lol......took my awhile to figure out where mine was off too....good luck, and keep us posted