Can you ride with bad Idlers?

[just_some_dude]

I've got one fairly bad idler on one of my sleds and I want to go out and ride. Don't really want to wait for a new one. The idler is on, it's just loose because the center part is somewhat gone. So, you can't push it in and out, but you can move it left/right and up/down.

Do you think this is going to be a big deal?

[80spitfire]

I personaly wouldn't ride it like that. You stand a pretty good risk of eating your track up if you ride without it, unless it's bogey suspension, then I wouldn't be too worried.

[just_some_dude]

Hmm... I don't even know the difference in suspensions. Never really had to mess with them. For what it's worth this particular sled is a '79 Arctic Cat Trail Cat.

I'll have to search on Google.

[80spitfire]

yeah I just looked it u and it has slide suspension. I wouldn't run it with a bad one if I were you, You'd probably end up regretting it.

[deerefanatic]

I had an idler come apart on my 77.... Left me shopping for a track.

Don't do it....

[JoeRainville]

JSD: Listen the guys, it's a bad idea. Most of those idlers have a replaceable common bearing only held in by a snap ring.

I hope this helps,
-Rainville

[just_some_dude]

Here's the damage I'm talking about...

[Matt]

Like the guys said, with anything like this, you're risking further damage by running it.

[JDT]

I am very fimilar with the TC's.
As this has been run a long time to wear this much there is a good chance you will find the axle is also trashed.

You have some work in front of you. But as I always say, it is worth it.
Even on the under powered 79 with the 340cc engine.

Pull the entire suspension system out of the sled and you will probably find the bushings are shot on the upper arms too.

If you need advice with this classic send me a PM.

[80spitfire]

Yeah don't run it man those bearings are totaly shot.

[just_some_dude]

Darn... Yeah, oh well. I guess it's back to ordering parts.

At least I have my Deere... if I can get it to work too !

Thanks for the help. Didn't want to bring up the Cat on a JD forum. I tried to just ask a general question. I appreciate you guys answering regardless.

[S_Kyle]

I just did all the bogies in my Rupp, it cost me $3.50 for the bearings and a couple of rivets I had on hand. With the snap rings it would be quicker but even with the rivets it was only around 5 minutes a bogies once I got a system worked out.