Axial Yeti XL Build – Part 5 – Front Suspension

Tony Phalen March 4, 2015 RC Build Blog - Axial Yeti XL Build 1,019 Views

The Build – Part 5
Axial has outfitted the Yeti XL with an independent front suspension that uses some beefy parts. CVDs are also a standard item as are the metal pins to capture the steering blocks.

Build Notes:

Pay close attention to the left and right steering parts. It’s easy to get them mixed up.

Be extra careful not to overtighten the set screws in Step 59.

Step 1:
Axial Yeti XL Build – Step 54

Before we start assembling, take a look at these two pins. The one one the left is used in the CVDs; the one on the right is used on the axles. Grab the smaller ones first.

Step 2:
Axial Yeti XL Build – Step 55

Assemble the CVDs like we’ve done so far with all the others; barrel in the ball, ball in the axle and the pin through both. Don’t forget to add the black grease for lubrication.

Step 3:
Axial Yeti XL Build – Step 56

Before we move on, we also need to identify the left and right steering pieces. The steering knuckle/caster block on the left are for the left side, the steering knuckle/caster block on the right are for the right side of the Yeti. Don’t get them mixed up.

Step 4:
Axial Yeti XL Build – Step 57

Moving on … press the bearings into the steering block.

Step 5:
Axial Yeti XL Build – Step 58

Assemble the left and right steering assemblies as shown. Slide the metal pins in place to capture the steering blocks.

Step 6:
Axial Yeti XL Build – Step 59

CAREFULLY screw the M3 setscrews (top and bottom) into the steering block. Tigthen SLOWLY until you feel it make contact with the metal pin, then give it another 1/4 turn. Do not overtighten or you’ll easily strip out the plastic. Give the metal pin a little tug to make sure the set screw has it secured in place.

Step 7:
Axial Yeti XL Build – Step 60

Slide the CVD into the steering assembly. Press the wheel hex into place, slide the larger pin through both and secure with the M5 setscrew. Use some threadlocking compound here.

Step 8:
Axial Yeti XL Build – Step 61

Attach the left steering assembly to the left suspension arm and the right steering assembly to the right suspension arm. Do not overtighten the long M3 screw. The picture is showing the right suspension assembly.

Step 9:
Axial Yeti XL Build – Step 62

Align both front arms and attach them to the bulkhead with the hinge pins/locknuts. Do not overtighten here, either. Holding on to the locknuts is a bit tricky, so have some needlenose pliers handy to help.

Step 10:
Axial Yeti XL Build – Step 63

Before attaching the front gearbox, flip the bulkhead over and attach the skid plate at the front-most point. You can also see those pesky little locknuts as well.

Step 11:
Axial Yeti XL Build – Step 64

Flip the assembly back over and attach the front gearbox to the bulkhead. Don’t worry about getting the axles into the outdrives just yet.

Step 12:
Axial Yeti XL Build – Step 65

Time to work on my favorite part; turnbuckles (NOT!). The two turnbuckles on the left are for the front camber, the two in the middle for the steering and the black one is the drag link.

Step 13:
Axial Yeti XL Build – Step 66

Build two camber links. The length of 45mm in the center is a good starting point.

Step 14:
Axial Yeti XL Build – Step 67

Pop the balls into the rod ends.

Step 15:
Axial Yeti XL Build – Step 68

Attach the camber links to the caster blocks. My manual showed one side going into the inside hole, the other to the outside hole. Use the inside hole.

Step 16:
Axial Yeti XL Build – Step 69