Should there be some freeplay between the ski spindle and trailing arm?

S

Scratch

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Putting on a new trailing arm and when I installed the spindle into it, I noticed that the spindle would slide up & down just a bit. Maybe a few millimeters of freeplay. I didn't think it should be like that so when I lowered the sled back down I loosened the top nut (by the plastic cap) and essentially raised the spindle up higher into the trailing arm tube in which it goes.

However when I went to check the other side of the sled I noticed that the round plastic cap up top sat flush with the steering arm, while the side that I "adjusted" the cap was elevated a few mm's above the arm.

Did I screw up? Should there be a little freeplay in the spindle? Now I'm thinking it would make sense to have the freeplay there maybe if for no other reason than to allow the grease to be able to get to the bottom of the spindle (haven't greased it yet so not sure how that will go).

I'd appreciate any comments or suggestions on this. Tried a search but didn't turn up anything.

Thanks :2strokes:
 
I take most of the play out by dropping the steering arm tight like you did. You don't want it to bind, but you don't want a lot of play either. I just drop them down flush and then tighten the steering arm on the spindle. I would just tighten up the other one to match.

Did you happen to leave the metal washer out?
 
Ding said:
I take most of the play out by dropping the steering arm tight like you did. You don't want it to bind, but you don't want a lot of play either. I just drop them down flush and then tighten the steering arm on the spindle. I would just tighten up the other one to match.

Did you happen to leave the metal washer out?
Click to expand...

Ahh yes that makes sense, I'll make sure there's no binding and drop the other side to match. The side I lowered, you cannot wiggle the rubber bumper/stopper thing at all, on the other side which I didn't touch the rubber piece has a little movement.

Uh-oh, which washer are you talking about?? The two collars that go on the top & bottom?
 
The lower bush on each side has a steel washer that goes against the
spindle(in between the bush and spindle)at the bottom
 
daman said:
The lower bush on each side has a steel washer that goes against the
spindle(in between the bush and spindle)at the bottom
Click to expand...

Yep, just checked and it's on there.

I did notice one thing, I think I did lower it a bit too much as it seems that I cracked the very outer edge of the plastic bushing. Will this affect anything? Or is it no biggie?
 
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