Snowmobile Polaris 550 IQ Shift / 550 IQ 136 / 550 IQ LXT (2013 year). Manual - part 23

94

MAINTENANCE

Steering System

Rail Slide Wear

For ease of inspection, all 
POLARIS rail slides have a 
wear limit indicator groove 
to indicate the minimum per-
missible slide thickness. 
Replace the rail slides if they 
are worn to the top of the 
groove at any point along 
their length. Failure to do so 
may result in permanent 
damage to the track or rails.

Replace when 
worn to top of 
groove

Minimum 

Thickness

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 4 inches (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 102 for the part numbers of POLARIS 
products.

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.

96

MAINTENANCE

Extended Storage

Bearings

Grease the jackshaft and drive shaft clutch side bearings with POLARIS 
Premium All-Season Grease or a similar high quality grease to prevent 
corrosion.

Clutch and Drive System

Remove the drive belt and store in a cool dry location.  Do not lubricate 
clutch components, except the driven clutch shaft bushing as outlined in 
the Master Repair Manual.  See your dealer.

Engine and Carburetor Protection

Proper preparation of the engine and fuel system is vital to the preven-
tion of rust and corrosion on precision engine parts during storage.  
Whenever the machine is stored for a period of more than 60 days, the 
engine must be fogged with fogging oil.  Follow the engine fogging 
instructions provided on the container.

Always add Premium Carbon Clean or a fuel conditioner/stabilizer to 
the fuel tank. Follow the instructions on the container, running the 
engine for five minutes to get additives through the entire fuel system. 
Top off with fresh fuel. Do not allow the snowmobile to run out of fuel.

If stabilizer is not used, drain the carburetors by removing the water trap 
drain plugs. See page 75. 

Tip: Jet restriction caused by improper storage can cause lean conditions and 

very poor slow speed driving quality.

97

MAINTENANCE

Extended Storage

Electrical Connections

Replace worn or frayed electrical wire and connectors. Be sure wiring 
harness is properly secured away from sharp edges, steering linkage, 
moving parts, and hot exhaust parts.

Track and Suspension

Moderate track tension should be maintained during summer storage. 
The machine should be supported off the ground to allow the track to 
hang freely.

Transporting the Snowmobile

Whenever the snowmobile is transported:

1. Turn the fuel valve off. See page 52.

2. Be sure the fuel cap and oil cap are installed correctly.

3. Always tie the snowmobile to the transporting unit securely using 

suitable straps.

4. Remove the ignition key to prevent loss.