Vertical Play in Handlebar(VXR)

[madramper]

I didn't use a torque wrench, but it was definitely more than 11 ft/lbs and those tabs would keep the nut from getting loose.

[madramper]

I was messing around in the garage today replacing the trailer lights and misc maintenance. I figured while I was at it, I might as well see whats up with the steering. I tightened it quite a bit more this time. Probably 2-3 times the torque spec. We'll see how it works. I took this video before I tightened it.

http://youtu.be/ge5TiGWC744

[SoCalWaverunner]

Fixed it by loosening the bolt, pushing up collar and re-tightening it

This thread is only place online I found talking about the issue - I was experiencing the vertical play or slippage in my 2012 VX Cruiser Waverunner too.

After reading everything above and watching the video (thanks!), I peeled back the "wings" of the "retaining plate" (Part #: F1K-6142B-00-00) away from the bolt (Part #: F1K-61355-00-00).

I then pushed up the collar and re-tightened the bolt (quite a bit of tightening). That seemed to solve the issue.

I haven't been out on the water yet - we'll see if it lasts!

[Manchas]

I just noticed it today on my 2015 VXR hope it's nothing major would like to hear back if someone got it fixed. Thanks in advanced

[lilman26]

I have a 2012 VXR that has the play, and a 2013 VXS that doesn't. I do notice that the VXR steering is loose while the VXS is tight. Does adjusting make the steering tighter?

[kwtony]

No adjustment, bushing going bad...if its a newer ski, consider a warranty repair

[jbone2012]

Saw this thread bumped I wanted to give an update since I started it. Since I adjusted the collar upward and retightened it on my ski, it hasn't come loose again. Still have zero vertical play, although I've only put about 25 hours on it since I started this thread.

[Smilin' Dominator]

Sorry to revive an old thread but it is better than starting an entirely new one just to get the answer....anyway, I have a 2015 VXR that is doing the same thing. I looked at the schematics of the column but can't make heads or tails of it. Anyone else have the same issue with the newer models? If so, what is the fix? I really don't want to drag it to the dealer for a warranty repair. I don't really like my local shop. They seem kind of shady...

[rpdata]

Sorry to revive an old thread but it is better than starting an entirely new one just to get the answer....anyway, I have a 2015 VXR that is doing the same thing. I looked at the schematics of the column but can't make heads or tails of it. Anyone else have the same issue with the newer models? If so, what is the fix? I really don't want to drag it to the dealer for a warranty repair. I don't really like my local shop. They seem kind of shady...

I have a 2015 VXS with the same vertical play - did you ever resolve yours?

[Ghostridah73]

ive got a 2016 Vxr with the same problem. I couldn't figure it out, and the dealer is an 1hr 1/2 away so I really don't wanna lose good riding season taking it there.

[Big Mik]

I got a 2016 VXR, had zero play, last weekend it was a little (very) choppy and we had some bouys out, pulled off the course then notice this play in the steering, was a little annoyed as it's 8 weeks old and only 14hrs on it, Quick search brought up this thread. Hardest part of the job is getting the pliers in there to put the lock tabs back! takes 10 minutes tops, you dont have to remove the bolt, just loosen it, push the boss up and retighten.
the fault seems to be the groove in the steer shaft may be out of position slightly, and the boss bolt drops down into this groove, resulting in end play. The bolt is not very tight at all.
if your going to do it on the 2016 VXR
pop the five plastic bungs out
remove cover
small flat blade screw driver to ease the lock tab washers open
12mm socket on a small rachet, loosen bolt
push up boss (it moves a very small amount)
tighten bolt
check for play, if your happy return the lock tabs to position
throw cover back in
insert plugs
Grab a beer and scratch your head.

It really needs a spacer washer in there to keep it snug and stop it from moving.
It is not a worn bushing.

[quaylefarmer]

I got a 2016 VXR, had zero play, last weekend it was a little (very) choppy and we had some bouys out, pulled off the course then notice this play in the steering, was a little annoyed as it's 8 weeks old and only 14hrs on it, Quick search brought up this thread. Hardest part of the job is getting the pliers in there to put the lock tabs back! takes 10 minutes tops, you dont have to remove the bolt, just loosen it, push the boss up and retighten.
the fault seems to be the groove in the steer shaft may be out of position slightly, and the boss bolt drops down into this groove, resulting in end play. The bolt is not very tight at all.
if your going to do it on the 2016 VXR
pop the five plastic bungs out
remove cover
small flat blade screw driver to ease the lock tab washers open
12mm socket on a small rachet, loosen bolt
push up boss (it moves a very small amount)
tighten bolt
check for play, if your happy return the lock tabs to position
throw cover back in
insert plugs
Grab a beer and scratch your head.

It really needs a spacer washer in there to keep it snug and stop it from moving.
It is not a worn bushing.

Bumping this back up.....

Are you accessing the base of the stem through the front storage compartment?