X-Metal Pole Install

[jetskiier]

I got my new pole last night after breaking the stock one, and had a few problems with the install. I got the breather tubes in, and mounted the x-metal bracket and backing plate after cutting out the holes for the dual breather, but I'm having a hard time getting the bolts in. Should I have done this before the breathers? I'm trying to get them through from the inside, so the bolts will be on the outside of the bracket for easier tightening. Any suggestions? The bolts are tight when going through the pole, never mind the bracket (which is good, no play, but a pain to install).


Thanks

 

[Matt_E]

I think a few people press them in with C-Clamps.

Personally, I very carefully grind/sand the holes in the bracket a smidgen bigger.

 

[IKSTEJ]

pull the tubes out of the bracket, so there out of your way.
Use C clamp vise grips to push the bolt thru.
once the bolts are in put the hoses back in the bracket.

 

[Big Kahuna]

Hey Pat, my current pole from you, the bolts slid right in, they were not lose, but did not have to fight them either!!!!!!!!!!

C clamps work well, you could run some steel wool through the bracket holes a bit, that may help.

 

[jetskiier]

Its more the steel 'bushings' between the bracket and pole that are the problem. I'll try a C-Clamp tonight, I think that may work better than the vice grips. I fought with the breather tubes for about 15 minutes last night before I went inside and put a few drops of dish soap on them, then had them both in within a minute. I don't want to use soap on the bolts, it will not help the loctite.

 

[Matt_E]

Those bushings may have some extra paint/powdercoat on them. Get that off, and it'll fit.

 

[Idok]

i assembled the entire ASSY on the bench, then bolted it to the ski....(this was after I did the same thing as you..)

made it MUCH MUCH MUCH easier....

 

[jetskiier]

It took lots of pounding with a hammer, but I got them in. The threads were a bit rough, but not enough to cross thread the nuts.

How far is the steering cable supposed to come through the hole? Mine is just a bit short of the hole in the pole intended for the bearing.