Hi,
The steering column of my 06 M7 failed from a fatigue failure (hairline crack + rust). It snap at the weld between the lower shaft and the adjustable column assembly. Of course because it wanted to be funny, it waited for me to be 40km deep in the backcountry to do so... We made some entertaining on the field mechanics cutting a tree and hammering it inside the two tubes to make a joint. Couples nails and hose clamp later the thing was just sturdy enough to be able to use brakes and throttle. No steering possible but it helped towing the sled out for sure. Once on the main logging road we attach a sling on the two skis and where able to steer the sled like a horse. That was kinda fun (it sucks. but we made it back before dark...)
Anyway, I was looking today for a replacement part today, but few details are confusing me. First, the steering column was adjustable in length. I found that this option was only made available for 08 and later m-series. Here, I am guessing the guy I bought it from upgraded it. On the other hand, the standard replacement without the height adjustable column looks like a perfectly straight shaft, while the later show a bent in the middle.
Question one: are the two equally compatible?
Question two: the sled got custom handle bars (looks like a downhill bike), but the pictures of OEM bars for an 06 M7 shows a massive riser. I am going to need more parts if I take the non adjustable OEM column?
Question 3: I never really used the adjustable thing. I always kept the bars kinda low. But I am a still a beginner. Will I want the feature later on?
Question 4: Does this part break often? My second sled is an 07 m8 with the same exact steering column? Should I replace it as well while I am at it?
Thanks guys.
The steering column of my 06 M7 failed from a fatigue failure (hairline crack + rust). It snap at the weld between the lower shaft and the adjustable column assembly. Of course because it wanted to be funny, it waited for me to be 40km deep in the backcountry to do so... We made some entertaining on the field mechanics cutting a tree and hammering it inside the two tubes to make a joint. Couples nails and hose clamp later the thing was just sturdy enough to be able to use brakes and throttle. No steering possible but it helped towing the sled out for sure. Once on the main logging road we attach a sling on the two skis and where able to steer the sled like a horse. That was kinda fun (it sucks. but we made it back before dark...)
Anyway, I was looking today for a replacement part today, but few details are confusing me. First, the steering column was adjustable in length. I found that this option was only made available for 08 and later m-series. Here, I am guessing the guy I bought it from upgraded it. On the other hand, the standard replacement without the height adjustable column looks like a perfectly straight shaft, while the later show a bent in the middle.
Question one: are the two equally compatible?
Question two: the sled got custom handle bars (looks like a downhill bike), but the pictures of OEM bars for an 06 M7 shows a massive riser. I am going to need more parts if I take the non adjustable OEM column?
Question 3: I never really used the adjustable thing. I always kept the bars kinda low. But I am a still a beginner. Will I want the feature later on?
Question 4: Does this part break often? My second sled is an 07 m8 with the same exact steering column? Should I replace it as well while I am at it?
Thanks guys.
