Hi All... I'm new to snowmobiles. I picked up a Formula III this week from a guy who owed me for some work done. It's in decent shape, but the skis seem WAY loose. On the trailer, I can grab each ski and pull the tips together and apart about eight inches each ski. They seem to be loose where the steel piece that the plastic ski mounts to goes up into the arm. I appologize for the terminology, like I said, I'm new here. I'll look at it again tomorrow, I didn't have much time tonight, but any help would be appreciated. The sled was manufactured in 1995. Would this make it a 95 or 96 model? My KTM motorcycle is a 94 model manufactured in 93, so I'm not sure.

Its probably a 96 model.When you buy a new sled in the fall its usually the next years model as next year is only a month or two away.I would slide the machine over on the trailer so that the one ski is against the side and cannot move.Then slowly wiggle the other ski and notice where all the slop is.Is the arm moving on top of the spindle with the ski or is it only the ski(the arm may be loose on top of the spindle as well).If the spindle and steering arm are moving with the ski then the tie rod end may be sloppy.If it looks ok then open the hood and check the tie rod ends in there(they may be hard to see if there under the engine).If all the slop seems at the ski end remove a bolt from the ski and remove the ski.Maybe the metal bushings are missing out of the ends of the spindles or the bolts are worn or the wrong size bolts.Are the holes in the ski's elongated?With that much play it sounds like maybe something is missing on the ski mounts or something may even be broken.I can't see there being 8 inches of play with just worn componants.Do one side and then the other.It should be obvious where the play is.

8" is a lot. I thought my exciter had a lot of play. I hope somebody wasn't riding it like that :(

The only bolt that could be loose enough to cause that much play would be the one that clamps the steering lever to the spindle. In the attached diagram, the red dot is next to the spindle. I drew in the spindle in blue, which is what part twenty clamps onto. If the bolt that provides the clamping force is loose, the spindle will be able to spin.


If that's not the problem you probably have a nut/bolt or two missing somewhere in the steering linkage.

Here's a pic of the steering arm. If your shock is bent like that one you have more than just steering problems :p

ouch!

Thank you all for the replies. JETrep, thank you for the diagram. I haven't had achance to look at it yet, but I'm willing to bet that either bolt 21 is gone, way loose, or the spindle is shot. I cant imagine a spindle getting that worn, but I've seen stranger things... Is the spindle splined like a driveshaft, or is it hexagonal like a big bolt?

splined

I checked the bolt that pinches part no. 21. It was a little loose on the right side. I tightened it and it cleared a little of the trouble. I think most of the slop is coming from where the spindle meets the ski. Is this a common problem? Can I just fabricate some bushings to take up the slop?

you are going to have to buy 2 new spindles {R&L} and 2 bolts that attach the ski. this problem can only be the fate of no lube and i think with that there has to be other problems elsewhere because of no grease.

Before you go out and spend any money on spindles pull the skis and check the bushings in the spindles. Ive NEVER had to replace spindles to fix loose skis. The bushings are 2 piece flanged split bushings that are a wear item, theyre cheap and may very well cure your problem for about $10( $20 if youre canadian) While its apart check the ski saddles and make sure the bolt holes arent elogated and check the bolt condition too. Replace whatever you find questionable.