Brittle Secondary Cam Sliders

[idMXLT]

The cam/helix sliders on my 80' Liquifire were pretty ratty, and one actually got pitched out during my last ride so I decided to change them. The old ones (black) seemed really brittle, and just chipped apart as I removed them. Turns out the brand new ones are pretty damn brittle too! I ordered the 03-357 variety and 2 of the 3 cracked and broke off the post as I installed them!

This isn't my first time replacing these, but it is the first try on a JD. I cleaned the holes good, lined them up, and gently tapped them in with a small rubber/plastic mallet as per usual. Am I missing something here, or are these helix sliders just junk? I am hesitant to order another set, as I think they will just crack again.

On my Skidoo's these sliders are UHMW or something, nearly indestructable. You could beat them in with a sledge (not that you would want to).

[Steven]

I just replaced mine yesterday on my sportfire. They came in a packet of 12 from kimpex 03-151-19 (black) and some of them had slight burrs on the bottom squared edge and wouldn't fit. I just used the ones that weren't like that and i used a small pry bar to seat them with the helix still on. There is some NOS ones on ebay still that I used last year on a 76 liquifire and they fit in better than the aftermarket ones did. The NOS ones were white.

[robtan88]

Go to your local John Deere dealer and have a look at the replaceable ramps for the Secondaries on the Gators. I just noted this the other day as I was servicing one, and thought this very thought as to them working. They look so stupid close its scary. If you want me to take a closer look I can?...Rob.

[skoalmint]

Hey guys I have the original deere ones if needed, NOS . I have tried the kimpex ones w the same result. I just installed them the other day w no problems. I take a torch an lightly heat the helix to remove the old ones, Take a mallet and install the new ones. The tech manual says to put some kind of adhesive in them but i never have . If you look at the kimpex ones they just dont look like the right angle to fit the helix right. Lust my opinion i might be wrong. Brock

[Steven]

I think you might be on to something robtan88. Here's a pic of the gator ones i seen on ebay.

[ljm]

Rob

Do you have a part number for them?

[robtan88]

I will get you guys the part number Monday when I go back to work. Not saying they will work for sure but they sure looked darn close...Rob.

[skoalmint]

Those are nothing like the originals . They look closer to the early sliders for the mid mt sleds though. Good luck Brock

[Steven]

Well.... I couldn't resist. I went and got some. $10 at JD. Here's some pics. The same dimension is there when compared to the kimpex except for the back taper. I put them in just to see.

I'm not sold on it yet. Brock, they sure do look like the salsbury mid mount ones too. Im not sure.

[Matt]

Agree with Brock, those are the same as the Salsbury & early Comet.

There are two versions of the aftermarket sliders, one is Teflon. I stock both. Not sure if they're really any stronger or not.

[JDT]

I have seen many variations of sliders that fit to a degree.

The key thing is that there is some type of material in between to prevent metal on metal contact and wear on the cams.

Don't worry if the angle on contact is not perfectly aligned, they will seat quickly.

Also always replace in sets of three otherwise it the cam will cock and hangup.

[AirborneX4Special]

I have seen many variations of sliders that fit to a degree.

The key thing is that there is some type of material in between to prevent metal on metal contact and wear on the cams.

Don't worry if the angle on contact is not perfectly aligned, they will seat quickly.

Also always replace in sets of three otherwise it the cam will cock and hangup.

X2

[robtan88]

So is it in agreement that the gator secondary sliders can be used to replace worn out slides on the sleds?...Rob.

[AirborneX4Special]

I don't see why not. Even the supposedly OEM replacement ones don't necessarily seat perfectly, but after a few laps around the yard they look fine.

[robtan88]

Well then its nice to know we get the odd thing right!!. ...Rob.