Steering linkage question.

[Redbeard]

I just got my new (carryover) 2012 Apex XTX home and noticed the handlebars are turned slightly to the right when the ski's are pointed straight. I verified the ski alignment is fine, but I'm unsure on which adjusting rod to turn and make the handlebars straight with the ski's? The dealership I bought it from is 3 hrs away, so taking it back is not an option for me.

Any advise is appreciated!

 

[Viper_Dave]

My 97 XTC, 02 Viper, 06 Attak, AND my 11 Apex ALL pointed to the right. Must have a guy with a short left arm checking this. I'll be looking at correcting this on the weekend. My Attak had to have the tank removed to get to the correct linkage to fix it. It's probably the same on the 11, but I'm not sure.

 

[TBay Sledhead]

You can adjust that with the steering relay rod (part #37)that goes down from in-front of the oil tank and connect to the right side pivot arm assembly (#44)

 

[Redbeard]

That's great. Thank you!

 

[RX-1MAN]

If it's only slightly to the right why not adjust the rod ends at the ski spindles? Lengthen the left a half turn and shorten the right same amount and see if that does the trick. As I remember theses rod ends are left hand thread.

 

[Redbeard]

After reading TBay Sleadheads' post, I believe adjusting the relay rod under the oil tank is the fastest option. That adjustment will align the handlebars without any impact on ski alignment. I could remove the seat and gas tank to adjust the upper rod, but the lower rod should be much faster. I should have full access to this adjustment when I have the airbox and battery out to make the first oil change.

Thanks for the replies!

 

[Redbeard]

If it's only slightly to the right why not adjust the rod ends at the ski spindles? Lengthen the left a half turn and shorten the right same amount and see if that does the trick. As I remember theses rod ends are left hand thread.

I purchased a steering linkage alignment plate this summer. The plate holds the relay arms in a fixed, parallel position while aligning the skis. Once the plate was installed, I discovered the handlebars weren't out of alignment at all; it's the skis that were off. So, I realigned the skis with 1/4" toe out, as per USI instructions.

The stamped jam nut wrenches that come with 4" angle grinders work perfect to keep the tie rod ends centered and from turning when tightening the jam nuts. I drilled a 7/16" hole in the ends and cut out the remaining with a disc wheel.

 

[Blue Dave]

Handy tool! How much does it cost?

If a guy was not pulling the airbox and battery for an oil change already it is much easier to adjust the ski alignment by adjusting just the tie rod ends. You can fix the toe and the handlebar alignment at the same time.

 

[Redbeard]

Handy tool! How much does it cost?

The tool was $39.95 + shipping. I ordered it through Pat's Yamaha in Greenland, MI.

If a guy was not pulling the airbox and battery for an oil change already it is much easier to adjust the ski alignment by adjusting just the tie rod ends. You can fix the toe and the handlebar alignment at the same time.

I agree. However, one end of each tie rod only had 1/8" of threads showing, while the other end had 1/2". I went ahead and adjusted both ends of each rod to even up the thread contact. The alignment tool was nice for keeping the handlebars and/or relay arms centered while adjusting the tierods to the skis. I'll get a part number posted tonight.

 

[Redbeard]

Here's the part number :