Snowmobile Polaris 550 IQ Shift / 550 IQ 136 / 550 IQ LXT (2013 year). Manual - part 15

62

MAINTENANCE

POLARIS Recommended Maintenance Program

To ensure many trouble-free miles of snowmobiling enjoyment, follow 
recommended regular maintenance and perform service checks as out-
lined in this manual. Record maintenance and service in the Mainte-
nance Log beginning on page 119.

The recommended maintenance schedule on your snowmobile calls for 
service and maintenance inspections at 150 miles (240 km), 500 miles 
(800 km) and 1000 miles (1600 km). These inspections should be per-
formed by a qualified service technician. For continued optimum perfor-
mance and component life, continue maintenance checks at 1000 mile 
(1600 km) intervals.
All necessary replacement parts and labor incurred, with the exception 
of authorized warranty repairs, become the responsibility of the regis-
tered owner.  If, during the course of the warranty period, part failures 
occur as a result of owner neglect in performing recommended regular 
maintenance, the cost of repairs are the responsibility of the owner. 

Personal safety is critical when attempting to service or make adjust-
ments to your snowmobile. If you're not familiar with safe service or 
adjustment procedures and the use of tools, or if you don't feel comfort-
able performing these tasks yourself, contact an authorized POLARIS 
dealer for service.

NOTICE: Hot components can cause damage to plastic. Always make sure the 

exhaust system and engine have cooled before tipping the snowmo-
bile on its side for service or inspection.

63

MAINTENANCE

Periodic Maintenance Interval Table

The following chart is a guide based on average riding conditions. You 
may need to increase frequency based on riding conditions. When 
inspection reveals the need for replacement parts, always use genuine 
POLARIS parts, available from your POLARIS dealer.

I - Inspect (clean, adjust, tighten, lubricate, replace if necessary)
C - Clean

R - Replace

L - Lubricate

Item

See 

Page

Frequency

150 mi.

(240 km)

500 mi.

(800 km)

1000 mi.

(1600 km)

2000 mi.

(3200 km)

Pre-

Season

CLUTCH

Clutch Alignment Offset 
(without belt)

82

I

I

I

Drive Belt Condition

83

I

I

I

I

Clutches (disassemble)

82

C

C

C

Belt Tension

--

I

I

I

I

Clutch Sheaves

82

I

I

I

I

ENGINE

Engine Mounts

--

I

I

I

I

Engine Mounting Plate

--

I

I

I

Engine Torque Stop

85

I

I

I

I

Cylinder Head Bolts

--

I

I

I

Cylinder Base Nuts

--

I

I

I

I

Ignition Timing BTDC

--

I

I

I

Recoil Rope

--

I

I

I

I

Spark Plug Condition

71

I

I

I

R

I

Exhaust Pipe

73

I

I

Exhaust Retaining 
Springs

73

I

I

I

I

64

MAINTENANCE

Periodic Maintenance Interval Table

Item

See 

Page

Frequency

150 mi.

(240 km)

500 mi.

(800 km)

1000 mi.

(1600 km)

2000 mi.

(3200 km)

Pre-

Season

BRAKES

Hose Routing

--

I

I

I

I

Hose Condition

--

I

I

I

I

Fluid Leaks

--

I

I

I

I

Brake Pads

77

I

I

I

I

Brake Disc

--

I

I

I

I

Parking Brake

43

I

I

I

I

Brake System

42, 77

I

Brake Fluid

78

I

FUEL MANAGEMENT

Pilot Air Screws

--

I

I

I

Carburetor 
(synchronize)

74

I

I

I

Idle RPM

--

I

I

I

Throttle Lever

57

I

I

I

I

I

Oil Pump Lever 
(synchronize)

--

I

I

I

Throttle Cable

67

L

L

L

Choke Cable

67

L

L

L

Choke

67

I

I

I

Vent Lines

--

I

I

I

I

Fuel Lines

73

I

I

I

I

I

Fuel Filter

73

R

R

Oil Filter

72

R

R

Oil Lines

72

I

I

I

Air Box

--

I

I

I

I

I

Drain and Water Traps

75

I

I

I

ELECTRICAL

Auxiliary Shut-Off 
Switch

56

I

I

I

I

I

Throttle Safety Switch

56

I

I

I

I

I

Ignition Switch

--

I

I

I

I

I

Taillight

46

I

I

I

I

I

Brakelight

46

I

I

I

I

I

Headlight

46

I

I

I

I

I

65

MAINTENANCE

Periodic Maintenance Interval Table

I - Inspect (clean, adjust, tighten, lubricate, replace if necessary)
C - Clean

R - Replace

L - Lubricate

Item

See 

Page

Frequency

150 mi.

(240 km)

500 mi.

(800 km)

1000 mi.

(1600 km)

2000 mi.

(3200 km)

Pre-

Season

CHASSIS

Ski Toe Alignment

--

I

I

I

Suspension Mounting 
Bolts

--

I

I

I

I

I

Steering Fasteners

--

I

I

I

I

C

Rear Suspension Fas-
teners

--

I

I

I

I

I

Suspension Shock Oil

--

I

I

I

I

Cooling System

73

I

I

I

I

Drive Shaft Bearing

67

L

L

L

I

Jackshaft Bearings

96

L

L

L

I

Skags (Wear Bars)

93

I

I

I

I

I

Ski Saddle/Spindle 
Bolts

--

I

I

I

I

I

Steering Arm(s)

--

I

Drive Chain Tension

76

I

I

I

I

I

Hood Latches

45

I

I

I

I

I

Rear Wheel Idler Bolts

89

I

I

I

I

I

Idler Bolt Jam Nut

89

I

I

I

I

I

Rear Suspension Pivot 
Shafts

66

L

L

L

Camber Alignment

--

I

I

I

Handlebar Centering

--

I

Tether Switch and Strap

46

I

I

I

I

I

Track Alignment

90

I

I

I

I

I

Track Tension

88

I

I

I

I

I

Front Limiter Strap

--

I

I

I

I

I

Rail Slide Condition

94

I

Chaincase Oil

68

I

I

I

R

I