First time out with new Sportster and broke the steering!!!

[mcfly]

Thank god it was at the end of the day but we were playing with the wakeboard and got in some choppy stuff and broke the steering. On the right side nozzle, the steering cable connects to it. The eyehole for the connector completely broke.
Now the two nozzles are connected together with with a linkage rod across the bottom. Both nozzles are exactly the same with the right one being the one that is hooked to the steering cable. Can I just switch the left and the right (since the steering tab is not being used on the left one and is in good shape).

Has anyone heard of this happening before?

 

[mcfly]

You can see #29 in the pic. The little ear on the upper right hand corner is what broke off. Can I switch them? What caused this to happen. The steering was very very stiff in the beginning of the day. I dont think it was the cable because one the tab broke off the cable moves nice and smooth. Even at idle the thing was a bear to turn.

 

[parrothd]

probably, only take a few minutes to switch them...

 

[mcfly]

thanks for the reply. I will switch them over tonight and probably buy an extra on just in case this happens again.

Is there anything specifically I need to grease or lube on the nozzle connections to try and fix the hard steering issue. Like I said, the steering is brutal even sitting on the trailer. Once the nozzle broke, steering is effortless and the cable moves back and forth like a charm. I am thinking that is has something to do with bushings or the linkage needing greased.

 

[cheappc]

Did you read your manual? You wont believe this but there is a section on the manual and it tells you what to "lubricate" every year, Im learning my lesson the hard way, just like you, I believe maybe you could have greased/lubricated it up.. sorry to tell you..

 

[mcfly]

I have read the manual. That is the first thing I do when I purchase a machine, whether it be a boat, atv, or snowmobile, or car. Trust me, I read it and didnt find anything about lubricating the steering components. I wasnt sure if there was a bushing or something that someone had a similar problem with.

 

[Phildoo]

Probably some corrosion at the 4 pivot bolts on the jets. You should be able to tell by moving the jet nozzles by hand.

 

[mcfly]

Thanks Phil. I plan on tearing them apart tonight and will look at them alll and clean them up

 

[Phildoo]

They could have been overtightened also. Since your going to remove them anyway to swap , this is a good time to go ahead and change the pump oil.

 

[mcfly]

10-4. I will look at the sticky in order to change the pump oil. Thanks for the help guys

 

[cheappc]

I have read the manual. That is the first thing I do when I purchase a machine, whether it be a boat, atv, or snowmobile, or car. Trust me, I read it and didnt find anything about lubricating the steering components. I wasnt sure if there was a bushing or something that someone had a similar problem with.

Sorry than I stand corrected.. I checked the manual it states to check it, and if needed adjustment to see the dealer. sorry.

 

[mcfly]

Got it! Swapped the nozzles out. Turns out the last outfit that did the winter service over tightened the bolts on the nozzles. That coupled with excessive corrosion. New bolts and a lube job and were ready to hit the water again. Thanks guys!!