Hard Steering Problem

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shonuff

Free Member

Nov 26, 2007

184

14

18

Lakewood, CO

• Dec 13, 2009

• #1

I recently picked up a 99 SummitX 670 for my girlfriend. Sled only has 800 miles, it's in great shape. This is my second 99, I had one a few years back.
We went out yesterday for the first ride (trails) and her sled is almost impossible to steer and turn. I takes all your effort to turn the sled. We loosened the limiter strap all the way which made it a little better but not much. Set up the suspension per her weight but still, very hard to steer. The sled seems to wander on the trails. It has the junk stock skies but it still shouldn't be this bad. It just didn't feel right.
Does anyone know what the problem could be?

 

S

sledheads4

Free Member

Dec 27, 2008

27

0

1

• Dec 13, 2009

• #2

I would also like to hear how to cure this. My wife has a '98 MXZ 500 that is also doing the same.

 

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f15ejedi

Well-known member

Oct 6, 2008

289

52

28

Anchorage Alaska

• Dec 13, 2009

• #3

Could be the ski alignment. I don't think it should be that bad though. Try to lube the spindle on front of the trailing arm also with a good grease. When I first got my sled these were dry and it made the sled hard to steer. Use something that is for cold temps.

 

Last edited: Dec 13, 2009

D

donkey

Free Member

Apr 19, 2009

21

2

3

Anchorage

• Dec 14, 2009

• #4

I had the same problem on my 99 X. Lube the spindles X2.

 

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shonuff

Free Member

Nov 26, 2007

184

14

18

Lakewood, CO

• Dec 14, 2009

• #5

I jacked up the front end to see how turning would be if the skies were in the air and it is difficult. My buddy said there might be a grease zerk deep in the steering, there was one on an old Arctic Cat that he had. Does anyone know if this sled had one?
I greased the zerks on the front of the trailing arms before I took it out, so I think that's ok..

 

S

skidoome

Free Member

Dec 3, 2007

184

13

18

columbus mt

• Dec 14, 2009

• #6

Water in the spindles... In a heated shop take the spindles out and clean them then regrease and install.

Had the same issue last year.

 

S

shonuff

Free Member

Nov 26, 2007

184

14

18

Lakewood, CO

• Dec 15, 2009

• #7

The left spindle was extremly dry with some rust.
Thanks everyone for the help!!!

 

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f15ejedi

Well-known member

Oct 6, 2008

289

52

28

Anchorage Alaska

• Dec 15, 2009

• #8

Make sure you grease all the suspension parts every season. I do it in the garage or in the fall before it gets cold so the grease displaces the water.