Hurky jerky steering problems w/pantera 550 touring

[acrider]

Just bought a 02 pantera 550 touring with 500miles.Machine is in great
condition but when I go on a groomed trail over 30mph it doesn't track
smooth? Feels like the front end jerks from side to side.Also when I
let off on the throttle it doesn't "coast" for to long..all most like
the brake is half on but it is not. So my problem is hurky jerky
steering any suggestions ? thanks

[JWentworth]

The prime cause of herky-jerky tracking and steering is mis-alignment of the
skis. If the skis are "pointed in" (toe-in) you'll see the symtoms you
describe, especially when weight is transferred to the skis during
deceleration. The quick slow-down you see when you back off the throttle is
caused by the "snowplow" effect the skis are giving.

Set the skis as straignt as possible, then measure the distance between the
front bolts that hold the wear-bars, then the distance between the rear
bolts. The front bolts should be about a Œ" further apart (toe-out). You
should also look at the relationship between the handlebar position and the
ski direction, and also that the skis are aligned with the track. With only
500 miles your sled should still be pretty tight, but if the skis are loose
try hooking a bungee cord between the ski tips while measuring.

Bottom line: the skis should be pointing straight ahead in alignment with
the track and the handlebars with about a Œ" of toe-out.

Post by acrider
Just bought a 02 pantera 550 touring with 500miles.Machine is in great
condition but when I go on a groomed trail over 30mph it doesn't track
smooth? Feels like the front end jerks from side to side.Also when I
let off on the throttle it doesn't "coast" for to long..all most like
the brake is half on but it is not. So my problem is hurky jerky
steering any suggestions ? thanks

[Wes 94 ZR580]

I agree 100%. SKis need to be aligned with a slight toe-out for proper
tracking. There is a lot of friction in a snowmobile drive train. Teh
CVT system is supposed to be highly efficient, but turning a big rubber
track around a skid frame takes a lot of energy. There is not a lot of
coast in a snowmobile, but make sure the track is properly aligned on
the skid frame, all the wheels have good bearings and that the track
tension is as loose as possible, just tight enough not to ratchet.

Wes
94ZR580

Post by JWentworth
The prime cause of herky-jerky tracking and steering is mis-alignment of the
skis. If the skis are "pointed in" (toe-in) you'll see the symtoms you
describe, especially when weight is transferred to the skis during
deceleration. The quick slow-down you see when you back off the throttle is
caused by the "snowplow" effect the skis are giving.
Set the skis as straignt as possible, then measure the distance between the
front bolts that hold the wear-bars, then the distance between the rear
bolts. The front bolts should be about a ¼" further apart (toe-out). You
should also look at the relationship between the handlebar position and the
ski direction, and also that the skis are aligned with the track. With only
500 miles your sled should still be pretty tight, but if the skis are loose
try hooking a bungee cord between the ski tips while measuring.
Bottom line: the skis should be pointing straight ahead in alignment with
the track and the handlebars with about a ¼" of toe-out.

Post by acrider
Just bought a 02 pantera 550 touring with 500miles.Machine is in great
condition but when I go on a groomed trail over 30mph it doesn't track
smooth? Feels like the front end jerks from side to side.Also when I
let off on the throttle it doesn't "coast" for to long..all most like
the brake is half on but it is not. So my problem is hurky jerky
steering any suggestions ? thanks

[ScoobyDoo]

And if the ski alignment checks out, make sure the wearbars (skags) are not
all bent and twisted on the bottom of the skis

<SD>

Post by Wes 94 ZR580
I agree 100%. SKis need to be aligned with a slight toe-out for proper
tracking. There is a lot of friction in a snowmobile drive train. Teh CVT
system is supposed to be highly efficient, but turning a big rubber track
around a skid frame takes a lot of energy. There is not a lot of coast in a
snowmobile, but make sure the track is properly aligned on the skid frame,
all the wheels have good bearings and that the track tension is as loose as
possible, just tight enough not to ratchet.
Wes
94ZR580

Post by JWentworth
The prime cause of herky-jerky tracking and steering is mis-alignment of
the skis. If the skis are "pointed in" (toe-in) you'll see the symtoms
you describe, especially when weight is transferred to the skis during
deceleration. The quick slow-down you see when you back off the throttle
is caused by the "snowplow" effect the skis are giving.
Set the skis as straignt as possible, then measure the distance between
the front bolts that hold the wear-bars, then the distance between the
rear bolts. The front bolts should be about a Œ" further apart (toe-out).
You should also look at the relationship between the handlebar position
and the ski direction, and also that the skis are aligned with the track.
With only 500 miles your sled should still be pretty tight, but if the
skis are loose try hooking a bungee cord between the ski tips while
measuring.
Bottom line: the skis should be pointing straight ahead in alignment with
the track and the handlebars with about a Œ" of toe-out.

Post by acrider
Just bought a 02 pantera 550 touring with 500miles.Machine is in great
condition but when I go on a groomed trail over 30mph it doesn't track
smooth? Feels like the front end jerks from side to side.Also when I
let off on the throttle it doesn't "coast" for to long..all most like
the brake is half on but it is not. So my problem is hurky jerky
steering any suggestions ? thanks

[acrider]

Post by JWentworth
The prime cause of herky-jerky tracking and steering is mis-alignment of the
skis. If the skis are "pointed in" (toe-in) you'll see the symtoms you
describe, especially when weight is transferred to the skis during
deceleration. The quick slow-down you see when you back off the throttle is
caused by the "snowplow" effect the skis are giving.
Set the skis as straignt as possible, then measure the distance between the
front bolts that hold the wear-bars, then the distance between the rear
bolts. The front bolts should be about a ¼" further apart (toe-out). You
should also look at the relationship between the handlebar position and the
ski direction, and also that the skis are aligned with the track. With only
500 miles your sled should still be pretty tight, but if the skis are loose
try hooking a bungee cord between the ski tips while measuring.
Bottom line: the skis should be pointing straight ahead in alignment with
the track and the handlebars with about a ¼" of toe-out.

Post by acrider
Just bought a 02 pantera 550 touring with 500miles.Machine is in great
condition but when I go on a groomed trail over 30mph it doesn't track
smooth? Feels like the front end jerks from side to side.Also when I
let off on the throttle it doesn't "coast" for to long..all most like
the brake is half on but it is not. So my problem is hurky jerky
steering any suggestions ? thanks

Thanks for the info