MC ZeroFlex Tower Question

[quincyfirefighter]

OK, the rubber bushings on my tower are walking out on one side of the mounts. :eek: Does anyone know the tork specs for the mounting bolts on the stock mc towers? It's a ZeroFlex Flyer Tower. The gel coat is not cracking but the bushings are walking out from underneath the mounts. I have a pair of Fusion T-Series Three-way speakers at 13 pounds per on it and thats all. :worthy:

[quincyfirefighter]

Sorry, boat is a 2001 Prostar 195

[ryanbush]

I had that problem on our 02 x star with the zero flex, never could fix it just had to keep straighting them out

[jkski]

I had the same problem on my 02 197 w/tower and just kept adjusting them. They walk becuase of the shaking of the tower, primarily during towing, so it really doesn't have anything to do with the additional weight you've added. I did see where on the 2003, they put a molded piece under the foot of the tower, which had sides to it. Basically, it had a very small lip on it, rather than being the flat rubber gasket, and they tended tto stay in place better. Maybe check with your dealer to see if you can get something like that. Otherside, maybe try putting a little silicone under each one to adhere it.

[boatwake]

My 2003 X2 has the same problem. I tightened the bolts down a little more and it has helped, but it would be nice to know a torque value.

[quincyfirefighter]

Thanks all. Guest I'll just live with it for now :)

[Workin' 4 Toys]

OK, the rubber bushings on my tower are walking out on one side of the mounts. :eek: Does anyone know the tork specs for the mounting bolts on the stock mc towers? It's a ZeroFlex Flyer Tower. The gel coat is not cracking but the bushings are walking out from underneath the mounts. I have a pair of Fusion T-Series Three-way speakers at 13 pounds per on it and thats all. :worthy:
The replacement "gaskets" have glue/double face tape on one side to get a better grip, I have been told contact cement would do the trick if put on the side that does not have anything. Next time I change the gaskets I will try this. Down side is it will be harder to change the time after that if it doesn't work. I did not torque it to any specs, just tightened until the gaskets were flush at the baseplate.

[Granite_33]

Reading this and the "Almost " Zero Flex Tower thread......I am wondering if there is a correlation here.

My bushings are starting to flatten out and coupled with that I am noticing more movement in the tower.

[AirJunky]

Another option would be to replace the rubber bushings with nylon. Same idea on steering components on a car.

[jmyers]

Another option would be to replace the rubber bushings with nylon. Same idea on steering components on a car.
Good call I was thinking the same thing we use nylon bushings on our pontoon boats we make, and it works much better it dosen't wear out or move around! I put a call in to MC to see what they say and am waiting for a call back. My tower has the same problem and it is only 1 month old!! My gel coat is cracking probably due to the movement and rubber bushings!! :(

[quincyfirefighter]

Good call I was thinking the same thing we use nylon bushings on our pontoon boats we make, and it works much better it dosen't wear out or move around! I put a call in to MC to see what they say and am waiting for a call back. My tower has the same problem and it is only 1 month old!! My gel coat is cracking probably due to the movement and rubber bushings!! :(
jmyers, let me know what MC says about the nylon bushing. Was just about to buy new rubber one.

[Workin' 4 Toys]

I not only think nylon is not a good idea, but I think you are asking for big trouble. Nylon is way too stiff and rigid, if you do that, you might as well eliminate the gaskets all together and watch the cracks get bigger. In addition, do not use anything silicone unless you want them to slide out much faster. Get a new set of gaskets from the dealer, and make sure they have ONE side sticky, apply the sticky side to the tower base, and tighten them. The torque spec I use is as follows... I hold the wrench on the bottom, i give my wife a SHORTENED allen key, I tighten the nut until its flush, then I had my wife use her weak arm and pull the SHORTENED allen key until she can't anymore. It has been perfect, I can't give you a number but I would guess its in the neighbor hood of 40-60 ft/pds The only real issue I have with mine is they dry rot and crack, I will continue to replace them at least once a year in spring using the method above until it cracks. By the way its an '03 X7.

[EarlyriserX9]

Does anyone know what size allen is needed to tighten the Zero Flex Tower? I have several sets of allen keys, but none are big enough. If I had to guess I would say it is a 14? Lowes doesn't carry any that are big enough, so I have to special order one. I'd rather get the correct size if I'm special ordering. :wavey:

[Sodar]

1/2"... my local hardware store had a few for $3

[EarlyriserX9]

Thanks Sodar :)

[g00doleb0y14]

I just got my 2000 X-Star and was looking to see what shape my rubber bushings were in, to my surprise there are none. I called my local dealer to see about getting new ones with no luck, does anybody have ideas on how to find or make some for a 2000 X-Star zeroflex tower? Maybe a pic or 2 on what they should look like.

[TayMC190]

Trying putting some adhesive on the rubber mounts and stick them to the bottom of the tower legs, not the gel coat.