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wegde is hard to put in position


vlx wakesetter

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I have an 02 vlx WS and my wedge is getting hard to drop down/pull up when you put your hand through the swim platform. I always seem to have to get in the water to put in position because it's a lot easier. Any advice on what to do to fix the problem? My bolts are just snug enough for some play so I know it's not that. It seems like the mounting plate and wedge are binding together when I move it; also the wedge has enough weight (when up) to almost go down about 3/4 the way then I have to push it and squeeze pins in at the same time. Thanks for helping!!!

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I have an 02 vlx WS and my wedge is getting hard to drop down/pull up when you put your hand through the swim platform. I always seem to have to get in the water to put in position because it's a lot easier. Any advice on what to do to fix the problem? My bolts are just snug enough for some play so I know it's not that. It seems like the mounting plate and wedge are binding together when I move it; also the wedge has enough weight (when up) to almost go down about 3/4 the way then I have to push it and squeeze pins in at the same time. Thanks for helping!!!

I don't remember why, but we had to use marine grease on old our wedge...it could have been for the pins, but I am not sure. Are you sure your wedge hasn't been tweaked under pressure?

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I have been having the same problem with mine. I can sometimes get the wedge to go all the way down and latch from the platform. I always have to get in the water and shake the thing hard to get it to unlatch so that I can raise it up.

Looking forward to advice from anyone else who has had this problem solved. I have tried lubing, grinding, etc. to no avail.....

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You need to use the wedge more Biggrin.gif It loosens up the more you use it. I use WD every now and then although it probably washes off pretty quick. I notice that my wedge is harder to use the colder it is. Last weekend was a PITA and I didn't want to go swimming to get it down.

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I have an 02 vlx WS and my wedge is getting hard to drop down/pull up when you put your hand through the swim platform. I always seem to have to get in the water to put in position because it's a lot easier. Any advice on what to do to fix the problem? My bolts are just snug enough for some play so I know it's not that. It seems like the mounting plate and wedge are binding together when I move it; also the wedge has enough weight (when up) to almost go down about 3/4 the way then I have to push it and squeeze pins in at the same time. Thanks for helping!!!

I don't remember why, but we had to use marine grease on old our wedge...it could have been for the pins, but I am not sure. Are you sure your wedge hasn't been tweaked under pressure?

It's not tweaked or anything, but getting to be a pain in the a**. I never have liked it anyways, it's just one of those things I want to be right. I still haven't heard any solutions to this problem. Can an admin possibly move this over to troubleshooting/maintenance?

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The pre-06 wedges all use a compression type center tube. I say this in the sense that the cross-tubes are tapered on each end and simply fit into the wedge arms, but are not affixed by any means. The downfall to this design was that over time the arms may spread wider slightly (if the bracket allows) and the arms then will rub or have increased friction against the bracket.

To solve this at home you can use two hammers or a bar clamp. Simply squeeze the arms together with a bar clamp or bang both sides of the arms at the same time, once again compressing the arms onto the tapered tubes. You don't need much, 1/8" clearance will allow it work smoothly.

If you use the hammers and both are not equal hits you can somewhat push it one way - simply bang the other side lightly to bring it back to center.

Sounds crude perhaps, but it works well.

Peter. :)

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To solve this at home you can use two hammers or a bar clamp. Simply squeeze the arms together with a bar clamp or bang both sides of the arms at the same time, once again compressing the arms onto the tapered tubes. You don't need much, 1/8" clearance will allow it work smoothly.

I love it. The hammer fixes everything. Bash.gif

Edited by sheeprides
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To solve this at home you can use two hammers or a bar clamp. Simply squeeze the arms together with a bar clamp or bang both sides of the arms at the same time, once again compressing the arms onto the tapered tubes. You don't need much, 1/8" clearance will allow it work smoothly.

I love it. The hammer fixes everything. Bash.gif

When the only tool you have is a hammer, a lot of problems start looking like nails Crazy.gif

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The pre-06 wedges all use a compression type center tube. I say this in the sense that the cross-tubes are tapered on each end and simply fit into the wedge arms, but are not affixed by any means. The downfall to this design was that over time the arms may spread wider slightly (if the bracket allows) and the arms then will rub or have increased friction against the bracket.

To solve this at home you can use two hammers or a bar clamp. Simply squeeze the arms together with a bar clamp or bang both sides of the arms at the same time, once again compressing the arms onto the tapered tubes. You don't need much, 1/8" clearance will allow it work smoothly.

If you use the hammers and both are not equal hits you can somewhat push it one way - simply bang the other side lightly to bring it back to center.

Sounds crude perhaps, but it works well.

Peter. :)

I'll be damn, using a pipe clamp actually solved the problem Thumbup.gif Thanks Peter. I have heard of people sanding and grinding down that area of the bracket to fix the problem, but I'm glad it was as easy as asking a few knowledgeable people here that have had the same issue to help out!

Edited by vlx wakesetter
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