webby700sx
New member
i broke the steering column on my 99 vmax sx 700 right below the plate for the bars. i was wondering if i put a new one in, could i do it without pulling the engine? or would it just be better to weld it? im a pretty good welder and i would put a solid piece of rod on the inside to help it from braking again. i just dont know if welding it would be the right thing to do. thanks
This is a very common problem on the pre 2000 pro action Yamahas...its not a matter of if they will break its just a matter of when...bar risers accelerate the problem.
There is a lot of info on the site if you use the search function. Some people weld it in the sled with a reinforcement sleave on the inside or outside, some remove the steering stem and completely reinforce it, others get a steering column from a 2000 or newer sled. Lots of different solutions.
There is a lot of info on the site if you use the search function. Some people weld it in the sled with a reinforcement sleave on the inside or outside, some remove the steering stem and completely reinforce it, others get a steering column from a 2000 or newer sled. Lots of different solutions.
webby700sx
New member
would i have to pull the engine?
You have to at least loosen engine and move it around to remove steering column so you might as well just take the engine out.
to replace, you need to remove the engine. It doesn't save much time to work around it. If your sled is like most, you will want to plan on a good cleaning while its out.
I have updated posts if you need one, pm me.
I have updated posts if you need one, pm me.
bluewho
Active member
Never ever turn the handle bars when the sled is sitting still and it wont break again or will never happen.
I weld it on the sled with a cover and a steel defector plate over that but removing the gas tank is easyer than the moter.
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I weld it on the sled with a cover and a steel defector plate over that but removing the gas tank is easyer than the moter.
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webby700sx
New member
i actually broke it because it was one of those days where you cant see bumps very good and everything is really bright and i hit a big pile of snow doing about 45 cuz i couldnt see it, when i hit the snow pile my chest hit the bars and broke it off. i ended up welding it back on. i work at a diesel shop and the only thing i could find that would fit in it was a wheel stud from a semi lol. so i hope it holds up for me.
Vmaxin
New member
i busted mine on my 2000 vmax. probably has something to do with my girlfriend rolling it down the hill 4-5 times a couple weeks ago. its getting the mig treatment and a gusset on either side, she wont break again... why piss around pulling your engine when you dont have to, ride while there is snow. 
Would the viper steering collum be the same?
If it is I have one for sale.
If it is I have one for sale.