Snowmobile Polaris 550 IQ Shift / 550 IQ 136 / 550 IQ LXT (2013 year). Manual - part 21

86

MAINTENANCE

Track Maintenance

Track Inspection

WARNING! Broken track rods can cause a rotating track to come off the 
machine, which could cause serious injury or death. Never operate with a 
damaged track. Never rotate a damaged track under power. 

1. Using a hoist, safely lift and 

support the rear of the snow-
mobile off the ground.

2. Rotate the track by hand to 

check for damage.

3. Carefully examine the track 

along the entire length of 
each rod (X). Bend the track 
to check for breakage. 

4. Replace the track if any rod 

damage is found.

X

87

MAINTENANCE

Track Maintenance

Track Lubrication

WARNING! Operating with insufficient lubrication between the rail slide and 
track guide clips can cause track failure, loss of vehicle control and loss of 
braking ability, which can result in serious injury or death. Avoid operating for 
extended periods on ice and other surfaces that have little or no snow for 
lubrication.

The slide rail needs snow for lubrication. Excessive wear indicates 
insufficient lubrication. A new rail slide can cause faster heat build-up 
in limited lubrication, resulting in excessive wear. 

Tip: If excessive rail slide wear occurs due to poor snow conditions, additional 

wheel kits are available.  See your dealer for more information.

Tip: Track damage or failure caused by operation on ice or under other poor 

lubrication conditions will void the track warranty.

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 (121)

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 (136)

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. Torque to 35 ft. lbs. (47.5 Nm).

Slack Measurement

Lock Nut

Adjusting Screw

Track

10 lbs. 
(4.54 kg)

Shaft 

Bolt

16 in. (40 cm)