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Hey guys just joined the forums but had been browsing for years, unfortunately my first post isn't a happy one. I just bought my dream sled an AXYS with a BD turbo. First time out to Rabbit Ears with it and I hit a stump and mangled some stuff within the first three hours of riding. At first it didn't look too bad then upon further inspection I noticed a wholeee lot more going on with the impact. The stump must have hit perfectly on the rear suspension bracket that is riveted to the tunnel. it pulled some rivets out and pulled the aluminum on the tunnel in a little but the size of half dollar dent on the side of the tunnel, cracked the tunnel where it flares out and meets the running boards, about a half inch, bent the rear suspension bars, mangles the bogie wheel/ bearing. Having said this I'm so sick to my stomach that this has happened, I have been riding for about 4 seasons and never had any bad mishaps, I love snowmobiling so much and after buying my dream sled this happens it cuts deep.
-Polaris does not make the bracket, you have to order a new tunnel, I do not believe the tunnel is totaled I may be wrong thats why I'm here for your opinions.
-I found an aftermarket brackets seems to be the only company that makes them
( http://vanamburgent.com/axys/ )
-I talked to a local trusted welding shop and showed them the sled, they also ride themselves so they have respect for the sport and machines. They say the can weld the crack and get the aluminum straight as they can.
-I have the ability to wrench on my own stuff in my shop and have the tools, but have never really messed with rear suspension or tunnel components, I guess my questions are, if I remove the rear suspension components nothing is left the hold the tunnel up can I block the rear bumper bar up so it holds the track up or does that risk bending it since the suspension component bear the weight?
These rivets are interesting they aren't your average push rivets almost like they fold over after being riveted to get a flush finish. the bracket kit comes with new rivets so I'm assuming they are the same since the track clearance in the tunnel is so close
-Im going to have to drill the rivets from the inside of the tunnel because they are riveted from the inside so ill need to almost remove the track or I'm assuming once the suspension components are gone the track will be out of the way.
-My next concern is once all the old parts are then off ill need to transport it to the welding shop will that do damage to the sled if the tunnel isn't being held up by the rear suspension bars?
If any of you can shed some light on what I'm dealing with it would be more than appreciated. I know its quite a lot of information but I'm overwhelmed with what happened and I just want to get this fixed and done with so I can enjoy it. I know its part of snowmobiling stuff happens and I guess along the way I can learn a few things about the rear working of the sled. Here are a few pictures of the damage and the sled itself. Thanks much!!!!
-Polaris does not make the bracket, you have to order a new tunnel, I do not believe the tunnel is totaled I may be wrong thats why I'm here for your opinions.
-I found an aftermarket brackets seems to be the only company that makes them
( http://vanamburgent.com/axys/ )
-I talked to a local trusted welding shop and showed them the sled, they also ride themselves so they have respect for the sport and machines. They say the can weld the crack and get the aluminum straight as they can.
-I have the ability to wrench on my own stuff in my shop and have the tools, but have never really messed with rear suspension or tunnel components, I guess my questions are, if I remove the rear suspension components nothing is left the hold the tunnel up can I block the rear bumper bar up so it holds the track up or does that risk bending it since the suspension component bear the weight?
These rivets are interesting they aren't your average push rivets almost like they fold over after being riveted to get a flush finish. the bracket kit comes with new rivets so I'm assuming they are the same since the track clearance in the tunnel is so close
-Im going to have to drill the rivets from the inside of the tunnel because they are riveted from the inside so ill need to almost remove the track or I'm assuming once the suspension components are gone the track will be out of the way.
-My next concern is once all the old parts are then off ill need to transport it to the welding shop will that do damage to the sled if the tunnel isn't being held up by the rear suspension bars?
If any of you can shed some light on what I'm dealing with it would be more than appreciated. I know its quite a lot of information but I'm overwhelmed with what happened and I just want to get this fixed and done with so I can enjoy it. I know its part of snowmobiling stuff happens and I guess along the way I can learn a few things about the rear working of the sled. Here are a few pictures of the damage and the sled itself. Thanks much!!!!
if its the cash that's holding you up I would bet dollars to donuts that you can fix that tunnel with a peace of aluminum 90/corner stock 2.5 by 4 in. about 1/4 in. thick {as long as yon deem necessary} by beating that tunnel strait and riveting the peace to the tunnel {on top of the foot rails} with some aftermarket drop brackets on the inside and long steal rivets through the whole stack. not a choice fix but you could make it strong and hold up! their are mixed feelings on welding on these chaises do to the type of aluminum used witch is beyond my knowledge but their was a post not to long ago about a crack in a tunnel and I think the consensus was to drill stop holes and rivet a patch {witch is what I always did}.... as for the rest well you know if its broke it just needs replaced! hope that helps you a little fisherman
