Ski alignment off - toe out way out - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

steveg_nh · 12-29-2012, 06:17 PM

One of the last things I checked on my new to me sled was ski alignment. Unfortunately, I think it's way out. According to my manual, if I'm understanding it correctly, the difference of the measurements of the distances between the front of the skis and the rear of the skis should be between 0-0.59". So basically the same, to only a 1/2 an inch wider in front.

But I have a front measurement of 43.78 and a rear of 41.5, a difference of 2.28". That's a huge difference. But there isn't any instruction on how to correct it, it just says to bring it to the dealer. Since I swing a pretty good wrench, I'd like to just address it myself, without guessing though.

Any pointers? The sled is a 2004 Yamaha SXV70ERJ (Viper 700).

Thanks!

Ultrafrozen · 12-29-2012, 09:22 PM

Make sure you pull the tips of the skis together when you measure. With worn steering links and tie-rod ends, there could be some slack there.

With a bunjie cord pulling both ski loops together, measure again.

If you need adjustment, adjust the tie-rod ends at the ski's steering arm coming off the spindle. If it's like a standard sled, there is a matching tie-rod end at the other end of the tie-rod in the center of the sled just ahead of or under the engine. One end is a right hand thread and the other is left hand. You want to lengthen the tie-rod to lessen toe-out, the assembly acts like a turnbuckle. Adjust both skis the same number of turns to keep the handlebars straight.

**BC_Dan** · 12-29-2012, 09:41 PM

Most sleds will also have a distance forward and rearward of the spindle to take the measurements. Check your manual to see.

You are better to have 1/2" toe out than any toe in. Toe in will really contribute to darting.

steveg_nh · 12-29-2012, 10:16 PM

Thanks. I'll check again in the morning to see if there's any slack. At least it's not toe in as BC_Dan notes.

As for the measuring it says to messure at the ends.

For adjustment as I recall its pretty tight under the cowling where the steering linkages are. Is this a common adjustment or usually not an issue?

Thanks for the help. I hope I can easily see what you're referring to.

Ultrafrozen · 12-30-2012, 08:23 AM

It's a pretty common adjustment. Some like more toe-out because it helps reduce darting/ searching. It also kicks up and funnels a lot of snow into the track area to help lubricate the sliders. The drawback is that it scrubs the snow, slows you down and costs more fuel.

The reason you want to pull the tips together when you measure is to make sure there is no toe-in when done as BC Dan mentioned. If you measure with the tips out as much as the slack allows and then set toe, you will get toe-in when the tips come together when riding due to the slack.

steveg_nh · 12-30-2012, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ultrafrozen

It's a pretty common adjustment. Some like more toe-out because it helps reduce darting/ searching. It also kicks up and funnels a lot of snow into the track area to help lubricate the sliders. The drawback is that it scrubs the snow, slows you down and costs more fuel.

The reason you want to pull the tips together when you measure is to make sure there is no toe-in when done as BC Dan mentioned. If you measure with the tips out as much as the slack allows and then set toe, you will get toe-in when the tips come together when riding due to the slack.

Thanks. I remeausred after bringing the tips together with a bungee cord and it was only out about 1". That seemed reasonable. And after actually running it today (we had enough snow from last night's storm) it tracked quite well.

Thank you again. You guys are very helpful on here much like some truck forums I visit too.

steveg_nh · 01-10-2013, 09:02 AM

So my sled was in for a tune up and carb cleaning, and the tech aligned the front end as well. He said it was way out and is now about 1/4" out, which is what I read was desired. So he was on the right page there. So it's good now. Thanks for all the advice.

One follow up question though - how rugged is the front end? Meaning, when I went to put the sled on my tilt trailer last night, it wasn't properly aligned with the trailer bed, so I pulled on the skis to slide it over. Just wondering if that could throw it out again. I probably should have grabbed the handle centered at the bottom of the hood.

I would imagine trail riding puts more forces on the skis than what I did pulling it a foot or so across pavement, but thought I'd ask.

Thanks!

**BC_Dan** · 01-10-2013, 10:42 AM

You will be fine. The parts should handle that no problem. I jerk my sled around by the skis all the time, no issues. That's sometimes the fastest way to get turned around.

steveg_nh · 01-11-2013, 09:28 AM

Thanks. That's what I figured.