Why cant I get the Ski's off!!!

[fishtank]

Im having trouble getting the skis off my 03 1M. Currently there are C&A pros on there. Looks like there is just one big bolt and nut but it all looks pretty rusty. Ive soaked it in PB Blaster/WD40 but it hasnt made any difference. The service manual says there is a cotter pin in there somewhere holding it in but I can see it for the life of me.

Is there something im missing?

 

[WyoBoy1000]

Pull the bolt out of the ski/spindle once the bolt is out, get a bigger hammer. Jack up the front so the skis are off the ground and give it a wack.

 

[fishtank]

I cant get the bolt out. I can get the nut off but the bolt is stuck in there big time.

Tried bashing it with a hammer and a block of wood (already stuffed up one bolts thread - dont have a rubber mallet) but it wont budge.

 

[WyoBoy1000]

plane on getting new bolts, hit it on the head side then the other side, a little heat might help if you can get some on it without melting stuff

 

[Biglizard1]

use a 6 inch c clamp with a hollow deep well socket larger than the shouldered edge to capture the head of the bolt. Use it like a mini press and place pressure with the clamp then use small taps to start stuff moving

especially helpful when you don't like taking whacks on your stuff

 

[Arctic Thunder]

Sounds like the spacer is rusted to the bolt. Bigger hammer!

Thunder

 

[TheBreeze]

Wood soaks up to much of the impact. I would just give it hell right on the bolt, and replace them once they are out. When you put new ones in, cover them with anti-seize.

 

[Jonce]

Is there any way you can get a Sawz All blade between the ski and spindle? If so, you may just want to cut on both sides and go from there. I'm not familiar with those skis though.

 

[fishtank]

So there is no cotter pin in there like the service manual and online parts stores suggest? I cant see it.

Bigger Hammer it is!!

 

[Arctic Thunder]

So there is no cotter pin in there like the service manual and online parts stores suggest? I cant see it.

Bigger Hammer it is!!

If you have the nut removed from the bolt the cotter pin is gone or sheared off inside the bolt. But it is on the end with the nut. Well it was.

Thunder

 

[KMMAC]

The cotter pin would have been at the end of the bolt where the nut went on unless the bolt was changed for the c&a's. The suggetions above on how to get the bolt out are good just pick one you will likely have to replace them. When you install new bolts use a lube on the spacer I know a guy who uses liquid teflon on boat drive shafts. He uses it to remove couplers and props the next time he disassembles the drive shaft.The teflon is still soft enough to get the parts off it seems to hold up to moisture penatration better. But use what ever just make sure and lube it.

 

[fishtank]

Thanks for the replies, I was hoping not to have to replace any of the parts. Im leaving for a 3 day trip tomorrow and not sure if my Cat dealer has the parts in stock or not, usually they dont. 8(

I have a sled savvy mate coming down later tonight, ill let him look at it and see what he thinks.

Online parts shows that there is a bearing inside the spindle. Would this possibly be rusted out and causing the bolt not to move?

(just trying to work out what parts I might need to replace)

 

[diggerdown]

Hold one ball peen hammer againt the bolt and hit it with another, it will take a lot of hitting to get the bolt out if it is rusted in. Never just hit the bolt with a hammer, you will mushroom the end too much. Once it moves close to the spindle you may want to grind the end with a little taper on it and finish with a punch. They can be pretty tough sometimes.

 

[WyoBoy1000]

all you should need is a bolt, and it doesn't have to be anything special.

 

[fishtank]

all you should need is a bolt, and it doesn't have to be anything special.

So a hardware store bolt should be sufficient as long as its the same length/size?

 

[WyoBoy1000]

pretty much, but I would use a nylock nut, or double up 2.

 

[Reeb]

Gonna need a new bushing too. Ski Spindle Bushing is what they are called. The bolt is rusted to this bushing. BFH is all you need.

 

[diggerdown]

Don't put a #2 bolt in. Use a grade 5 cadium plated and coat it with never seize. Most any hardware store will have 5's and 8's. Just don't buy the cheap zinc plated #2's.

 

[1Mike900]

Also if you have another non castleated 1/2-20 fine nut you can leave it sticking out of the threads and whack on that. Some Kroil oil will work wonders on that if sitting for hours. I have new bushings just for this application with a flange on one side and a longer ctr. bushing for less wear and tighter fit. But I also use a spring on the outside between ski and spindle to help the suspension move when compressing. I just drymoly coat and use graphite wheel bearing grease.

Good luck Mike

 

[PowderCrew]

Just wait'll you need to replace an a-arm!