Small rip in the side of track ?

[biggdaddy]

I just noticed I have a small 3/4-1 inch angle rip in the outside edge if my track doesn't look to bad to me but just wondering will this spread and continue to grow or can I ride it for a while. This is on a 800. Thanks in advance not sure if I need to replace or can I save the money.

 

[SRXSRULE]

With out a doubt you can ride it. Being a "flatlander", Back when I rode around the mid-west we put studs in every sled. Studs would get ripped out from time to time. Many times on the outside edge. What I would do is sew the rip with Spider wire (kevlar fishing line) to keep it from tearing more.

You use a strong needle, pair of pliers, and heat the tip of the needle and slide it through the track. Just sew it up to hold it in place. Your not going to "repair" the rip, just trying to keep it from getting worse. I think you will get more life out of it, Just check it every few rides and see how its holding up. Eric

 

[biggdaddy]

Could I drill small holes instead of needle

Just wondering what you think if I tried to drill some real small diameter holes next to it and stich with the Kevlar fishing line. Not sure where to get a needle strong enough to do the track. Thanks

 

[tfrick821]

I think there is some bad-*** adhesive guys use to fix torn lugs. I dont know what it is called or if it would work, but I think they were getting it at Hobby Lobby

Maybe try searching "torn lug" or something like that. Or maybe someone will remember what it is......

 

[SRXSRULE]

You ever tried to drill a "small" hole in rubber with a drill bit? Lets just say it doesnt work too good. lol

The hot needle is not hard to do at all. A medium size needle that you can buy at any department store is all you need. Use needle nose pliers and it pushes right through. Eric

 

[ACMtnCat]

Just wondering what you think if I tried to drill some real small diameter holes next to it and stich with the Kevlar fishing line. Not sure where to get a needle strong enough to do the track. Thanks

Thats what I'd do. Glue helps if its delaminated at all.

I used E6000 glue. The track held up for a 1000 miles after that repair.

 

[biggdaddy]

Thanks I'll try it

Thanks I'll try the needle and also glue. Thanks again

 

[Bagger]

Man! 12 clamps! I'm impressed!
Great Job!
Bag

 

[biggdaddy]

posted a pic, thanks for all the replys. Any other recomendations would be great! Thanks

 

[SnowBound]

Thats what I'd do. Glue helps if its delaminated at all.

I used E6000 glue. The track held up for a 1000 miles after that repair.

That's impressive. I cant believe you got 1000 miles on that track after your fix.

 

[teacher]

Does that E6000 glue really work or gorilla glue

I also noticed a small rip about the same size in my track I was going to try gorilla glue to fix but some peoplenot to waste my time it wont keep ripping just to ride it that ice spikes rip out all the time and they still keep riding torn tracks for 1000s of miles. I want this track to last what is the best fix or is it ok to just run it. Thanks

 

[ACMtnCat]

E6000 is the real deal! Google it and read up on it, it bonds very good to the track rubber!

I didn't hesitate to buy this used Extreme with a paddle missing because I knew E6000 would hold it together. No problem!

 

[Backwoods M Max]

I just want to say a big thanks to ACMtnCat for sharing that post about the track de-lamination. I was super bummed to clean 2 consecutive lugs off my brand new track on my first ride out. I was about to take it of and throw it away. the track was a new take off, so no warranty on it if it even would have been warranted.

I got the track cleaned up the best I could and cut back what was left of the lugs. I cleaned the track with a little bit of brake cleaner to get the dirt out and warmed it up with a heat lamp. I don't have a place to put the sled into a heated space, so I hope this will work. The lamp will get the track up to around 100 degrees as measured with a heat gun, so I hope that will make it cure and stick. There were some cut and frayed cords where the lugs tore off so I'm hoping the E6000 will bond into the cords and really take a stick. I made little dams out of duct tape and wax paper to try and hold the E6000 in place as it self leveled and cured. It seems to be working, I'll keep the heat on it for 24 hrs then it will have 2 weeks to cure while I'm back at work before I put some stress on it again.

 

[ACMtnCat]

Looks like you got it! Should hold up just fine.

 

[Backwoods M Max]

I hope so. I was worried about it setting in the cold the most. It's pretty firmed up now. I'm going to trim the extra with a razor knife while it's still a little pliable then forget about it for 2 weeks. It should be fully cured after 2 weeks even in cold tempatures. I'll flog it when I get back and see how it does. It seems to have really flowed into the exposed cords which is what I wanted the most.