New to me , old to most 2009 M8 and M6

[ttmach1]

Hello gents

I just picked up two older sleds in hopes to hang out with my 17 year old on the trails in Alberta

I’ve been looking them over a bit and just noticed the M6 handle bars have a lot of play through the column Front back and side to side kinda feels like a 1/8 of play everywhere The m8 feels much more tight and I was wondering if someone can explain to me what the play I’m feeling possibly might be.


Thanks in advance,

Rick

 

[Rene G]

Probably the steering bushing , I’m not a cat guy but I’m pretty sure it’s a common issue.

 

[Rjjtcross8]

The play will be in your steering bushings ( bushings on the top of your steering post)

 

[mountianguy]

part # 0605-576 should fix you up, sometimes just tightening the two bolts holding the bushing will remove most of the play. Either way a cheap and easy repair.

 

[sirkdev]

Weak steering posts are also known to be an issue also where the post bolts to the tunnel, will have to tip on side to see if bolts are loose.

 

[mur190]

i think canada sled parts had some updated steering post bushings that snugged it up and had a longer lifespan.

 

[ttmach1]

Thanks guys! Had a minute and tightened up the 2 column bolts behind the motor and it seems to take up most of the movement. I’ll keep an eye on it to see if the bushing behaves.

It’s starting to snow a bit here in Alberta so we are getting exited to get out to the trails when they open up

I am thinking cataract which I think opens up dec 1 from what I read. Been 8 years or so since riding there once , and rode there 20 years ago before that.... Rode a 1976 pantara 5000 in 1990ish That ages me just a little bit

 

[meierjn]

My BIL has a 2009 M8. I have a 2011. I really like the M series ACs. The diamond drives have a known bearing issue that can be fixed up with an upgraded bearing. I don't remember which years it was an issue on though. There used to be some really good threads on a couple of forums about the issue. I may still have them bookmarked. I'll do some digging!

Here is a good one on this forum:

https://www.snowandmud.com/arctic-c...ad-lots-pictures.html?highlight=diamond+drive

Here is another good thread:

https://www.snowest.com/forum/forums/arctic-cat-m-series.221/