Track sag/tension

H

Hammer Down

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Apr 13, 2013
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54
Location
Flint
Picked up a 96 vmax4 this summer that had the stock skid swapped out for a long travel viper skid. I think it is out of 2002 or 2003 viper. What are the specs for track tension for this skid?
Also, pulled the speedo gear and the square key was broke off in the axle. Is this an indication of a bad bearing or can they just break.?
 

Not sure on the tension for the track, but yes those keys do break, I just had to replace my speedo bearing and square key. You might as well replace the bearing if it looks brown or rusty in color...
 
Use a small pick to get out the rest of the key if you haven't already done so. The key is about 1"-1.5" long full length. Mine was snapped in half...
 
Should I replace the entire speedo gear assembly along with the key? The bearing looks ok, no rust.
 
Put the key in either end on the speedo cover and just turn it to see if the other end spins at the same time. The cover should be fine, but since your in there you should replace the bearing. Have you replaced that bearing yet?
 
Haven't replaced it personally, but it looks ok. Can it be replaced without removing the axle? If its that simple I will do it. The last one I did was frozen on the shaft. Gear spins both sides, so probably ok.
 
I know on my srx there are 2 set screws on the bearing up inside the tunnel. They should be a torx bit. Take those out and the bearing should slide off the drive shaft from the inside where you pulled the cover. Spray a lot of wd40 on them & make sure the torx bit is the right size, you don't want to strip them. It's only $30 for a genuine bearing. I think I have some pics for you, c if I can find em
 
just replaced mine as well this year. Make sure you save those torx screws. you might need them for the new bearing. Mine did not come with them.
 
If you do end up changing the bearing, make sure you loctite those set screws when you put them back in, mine weren't even there when I changed my bearing. And put a little bit of anti-seize paste on the end of the shaft where the bearing sits. This will make it easier to change out if you ever need to do it again. They can be a PITA to get off.
 
if the track is new,keep it a little snugger because it will stretch out.I have my need Cobra 144 track adjusted basically by Yamaha specs and expect the track will need to be tightened up a few times once I get some riding in..
 
Vmax 4 spedo bearings do not have those set torx screws. They are just on axle. I have just replaced w/ out pulling axle and it can be a huge pain b/c axle shifts down and can be hard to get new bearing in. I finally got it in but took some serious pushing on axle from inside to allow bearing to slip on. Ted- I have several spedo bearings so let me know if you need on.
 
Last edited:
Hammer Down said:
So should I go 1" of sag at 23lbs like vmax4 or is it different for long travel viper skid?
Click to expand...

That is roughly where I set my Viper skid equipped '01 SRX. The tension setting (as long as it doesn't ratchet or contact HX) doesn't have to be exact, but alignment is criticle. IMO.
 
looser seems better as you can rotate the track easy with your hands..but to much slack and that track will balloon and you will actually lose speed.I know another member on here told us a story about that.He ran it loose,then he tightened the tension and actually gained mph..the ballooning will kill ya..food for thought.I think I run mine at 1 3/16 to 1 1/4 sag with a 22 lb weight that I made up that hangs off the track.
 
Excellent information, thanks! I may run on tighter side, looks like there has been stud contact on rear cooler protectors, also looks like cooler has been replaced.
Btw. Machine has drivers and antistab
 
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