Snowmobile Polaris 550 IQ / 550 Shift (2012 year). Manual - part 23

92

MAINTENANCE

Steering System

Ski Alignment

WARNING! Improper ski alignment or adjustment may cause loss of steering 
control, resulting in serious injury or death. Do not attempt to change the ski 
alignment or camber adjustment. See your POLARIS dealer.

With the handlebars in a straight ahead position, and with vehicle 
weight compressing the suspension, measure from the straight edge of 
the skis at the center of the ski mounting bolt.  The measurement 
between the skis at point X should be 1/8I to 1/4I (3-6 mm) greater 
than the measurement at point Y.

Tip: If the skis are misaligned, we recommend that your dealer correct the align-

ment, since camber adjustment may also be affected.

10

I

X

Y

10

I

93

MAINTENANCE

Steering System

n Ski Skags

See your dealer's studding chart for recommended skags. If you install 
longer or more aggressive carbide skags than the original equipment, it 
may also be necessary to add track studs to maintain proper vehicle con-
trol while turning on hard-packed snow or ice.

WARNING! Worn skis and/or skags will adversely affect handling. Loss of 
vehicle control may result, causing serious injury or death.

Check skags before each use of the snowmobile to ensure positive steer-
ing characteristics. Skags must be replaced when worn to half their orig-
inal diameter. 

Tip: Carbide skags must be replaced if any abnormal wear or chipping is found.

Skag Replacement

1. Raise and support the front of 

the machine so the skis are 
approximately 6I (15.2 cm) 
from the ground.

2. Remove the attaching nuts 

and pry the skag downward.

3. Remove the rear end of the 

skag.

4. Remove the front end of the 

skag.

5. Reverse the steps to install a 

skag.

94

MAINTENANCE

Steering System

n Rail Slide Wear

Measure slide thickness at 
several points along the rail. 
Have your dealer replace the 
slide when it's worn down to 
the top of the wear limit 
indicator groove (). Do not 
operate the snowmobile if 
slide thickness measures less 
than 7/16I (1.1 cm).

7/16

I

 

(1.1 cm)



95

MAINTENANCE

Daily Storage

At the end of each ride, park the snowmobile on a level surface and sup-
port it at the rear with an appropriate track stand. The track should be 
suspended approximately 4I (10 cm) off the ground.

Remove the key and cover the machine.

Fall Tune-Up

For maximum performance, arrange for a fall service tune-up with your 
POLARIS dealer. His experienced and trained service technician will 
keep your machine in peak operating condition

Extended Storage

Off-season or extended storage of your snowmobile requires preventive 
measures to aid against deterioration and to prolong the useful life of 
many components. See page 98 for the part numbers of POLARIS prod-
ucts.

Cleaning and Preservation

Proper storage starts with cleaning, washing, and waxing the hood, 
chassis, and plastic parts. Wipe down remaining surfaces with a damp 
cloth. Clean and touch up with paint any rusted or previously painted 
surfaces.  Be sure that corrosive salt and acids are removed from sur-
faces before beginning preservation with waxes and rust inhibitors 
(grease, oil or paint).

The machine should be stored in a dry garage or shed, out of direct sun-
light, and covered with a fabric snowmobile cover.  Plastic tarp may 
cause condensation to form and damage snowmobile components.

Controls and Linkage

Lubricate all bushings and cables as outlined in the Periodic Mainte-
nance Table beginning on page 63.