Snowmobile Polaris 550 IQ / 550 Shift (2012 year). Manual - part 22

88

MAINTENANCE

Track Maintenance

WARNING! Moving parts can cut and crush body parts. When performing the 
checks and adjustments recommended on the following pages, stay clear of all 
moving parts. Never perform track measurement or adjustments with the engine 
running.

Track Tension

Track adjustment is critical for proper handling.  Always maintain cor-
rect tension and alignment. 

Tip: Tension adjustments should be made only after the track is warmed up and 

limber.

1. Turn the engine off.

2. Lift the rear of the machine and safely support it off the ground.

3. Place the recommended weight or downward pressure on the track 

at the specified distance (see chart) ahead of the center of the rear 
idler wheel. Measure at the point where the weight is hanging.

TRACK TENSION DATA CHART

Suspension

Weight

Measurement 

Location

Slack 

Measurement

IQ

10 lbs. (4.54 kg)

16 in. (40 cm) 

ahead of rear 

idler shaft

7/8-1 1/8 in.

(2.2-2.9 cm)

IQ Comfort

10 lbs. (4.54 kg)

16" (40 cm) 

ahead of rear 

idler shaft

7/8-1 1/8 in.

(2.2-2.9 cm)

89

MAINTENANCE

Track Maintenance

Track Tension

4. Check for specified slack between the wear surface of the track clip 

and the plastic slider. Refer to the Track Tension Data Chart on page 
88. 

If the track needs adjustment:

5. Loosen the rear idler shaft bolt.

6. Loosen the locknuts. 

7. Tighten or loosen the track adjusting screws to provide equal adjust-

ment on both sides of the track.

8. Repeat the measurement on the other side of the track.

Tip: Check more frequently when the machine is new.

9. Start the machine and slowly rotate the track at least five revolu-

tions.  Let the track come to a stop (do not apply brakes).

10. Check track alignment (see page 90) and adjust as necessary.

11. Tighten the locknuts.

12. Tighten the idler shaft bolts.  

13. (

n

) Torque idler shaft bolts to 35 ft. lbs. (47.5 Nm).



Slack Measurement

Lock Nut

Adjusting Screw

Track

10 lbs. 
(4.54 kg)

Shaft 

Bolt

16

I

(40 cm)

90

MAINTENANCE

Track Maintenance

n Track Alignment

Periodically check that the track is centered and running evenly on the 
slide rails.  Misalignment will cause excessive wear to the track and 
slide rail.

1. Safely support the rear of the machine with the track off the ground.

2. Start the engine and apply a small amount of throttle until the track 

turns slowly at least five complete revolutions.  Stop the engine and 
let the track come to a stop (do not apply brakes).  

3. Inspect track alignment by 

looking through the track 
window to make sure the 
rails () are evenly spaced 
on each side. If the track 
runs to the left, loosen the 
idler shaft bolts, then 
loosen the left locknut and 
tighten the left adjusting 
bolt. If the track runs to the 
right, loosen the idler shaft 
bolts, then loosen the right 
locknut and tighten the 
right adjusting bolt.

4. After adjustments are com-

plete, tighten the locknuts 
and torque idler shaft bolts 
to 35 ft. lbs. (47.5 Nm).

5. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to verify proper alignment.

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91

MAINTENANCE

Steering System

Steering Inspection and Adjustment

Each week, or before a long ride, check all steering system fasteners and 
tighten if necessary.

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