Steering question - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

AlexNewman · 01-31-2009, 05:29 PM

Ok this is my first year snowmobiling and my parents and I find that our snowmobiles ski's ''try and find'' a groove already made in the trails and follow it. Is thIs normal and is there a way to make my skis not follow someone elses tracks because I find it hard to turn and such. Thancks

polaris rider · 01-31-2009, 05:45 PM

You get stuck in there "tracks" because of the carbides under your skis.... and theres not realy a way to prevent that.... besides for riding on all nice groomed trails!

AlexNewman · 01-31-2009, 06:14 PM

Are replacing carbides expensive and when do you have to change them? BEcause i have to cross roads and stuff so do carbides wear out easily or are they ever lasting?

polaris rider · 01-31-2009, 07:10 PM

There are different kinds of carbides... some are for steering power....but for the most part there not to much to replace... and over times carbides wear and you will need new ones... If your steering isnt good, then you know its time for new carbides. A way I check to make sure mine are fine is buy looking at my tracks of where ive been riding and if I see a thin line I know my carbides are still okay. But carbides should last you awhile

IndianRvrShiver · 01-31-2009, 09:58 PM

You are experiencing what sledders call "darting". Check the ski alignment...should have 1/8" - 1/4' toe out!!

**BC_Dan** · 02-01-2009, 01:18 AM

I have found that skis with dual carbides are less prone to darting than single carbides. When I had my ZR's, I replaced the stock carbide with Woody dually carbides, and it made a BIG difference in darting. I dont' think the Woody's work on steel skis, but if you have the plastic skis, you may want to give them a try next time...

Also, Simmons skis on my Polaris sleds totally eliminated any darting. They really work well for that on the trails. You can get Simmons for AC (and other) sleds as well...

Rudd21 · 02-01-2009, 08:43 AM

When it comes time to change your carbides, consider a set of the easy steer carbide runners. I've found that these help reduce darting and really do make it very easy to steer. Great for trail riding. You will either need a set of easy steer skis, or a set of adapter "plates" that go on with the carbides in order to use them.

Ad's Cat · 02-01-2009, 09:09 AM

IRS is right, check your ski alignment first. Not that the others are wrong, because i've heard and read that the aftermarket stuff works well. I bought dual's for my wifes sled and it got rid of the darting, which was still there a bit after alignment and suspension adjustments, but its FREE to check your alignment and it may solve your problem.

Ad

AlexNewman · 02-01-2009, 11:13 AM

Thanck you all, how much is it approx to get dual carbides?

**BC_Dan** · 02-01-2009, 11:25 AM

DennisKirk.com - Woodys Slim Jim Dooly Carbide 4 in. Wear Rod=

This will give you an idea... not sure which sled you are looking for...

AlexNewman · 02-01-2009, 11:33 AM

For my z570...

AlexNewman · 02-01-2009, 11:44 AM

itd be for my 570

**BC_Dan** · 02-01-2009, 12:58 PM

I looked on Woody's home page, they don't list a dual carbide for that model.

Must be something about the shape of the ski. You may want to call 'em and ask what the difference is; they list the part number for a 2006 on the DennisKirk page I linked.

Woody's contact info...
International Engineering & Manufacturing, Inc.
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m (ET), Monday through Friday.
6054 N. Meridian Road
Hope, Michigan 48628
Phone: (989) 689-4911
Fax: (989) 689-4910
Email: woodys@wiem.com

crossfirecrz · 02-01-2009, 06:03 PM

the dual carbide run between 50 and 60 each but they work great I won't go back to the singles again,and the duals seem to last longer

AlexNewman · 02-01-2009, 07:03 PM

Well i dunno about what kin of skis i have but they appear to be the same or very much similar to my parents 07 polaris's. There plastic

AlexNewman · 02-02-2009, 07:27 AM

How do we mesure the ski allignement like IRS proposed?

crossfirecrz · 02-02-2009, 09:04 AM

Check you owners manual if you have it it might give you step by step for ski alignment.

AlexNewman · 02-02-2009, 10:05 PM

i bought the sled used so i have no owners manual unfortunally

**RJ Gleason** · 02-03-2009, 09:59 AM

Measure the center to center distance of the skis at the heel and toe, the toe should be at least 1/4" farther apart than the heel to prevent/reduce darting.

Granby Polaris · 02-03-2009, 01:00 PM

Help with Temp Gauge, My Gauge is not moving, The switch omhs out open? If i short out the One Wire to ground my Gauge moves to hot, Replaced Switch with a used one from Al's Sled Shop, Still same, They sent me another and still inop?? Should i buy a new one or is it somthing else?