Snowmobile Polaris 550 Transport Trail Touring. Manual - part 26

102

MAINTENANCE

Steering System

Ski Alignment

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.

NOTE: If the skis are misaligned, we recommend that your dealer cor-

rect the alignment, since camber adjustment may also be 

affected.

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 align-

ment or camber adjustment. See your Polaris dealer.

10

I

X

Y

10

I

EDGE IFS

103

MAINTENANCE

Steering System

n

Ski Skags

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. 

NOTE: Carbide skags must be replaced if any abnormal wear or chip-

ping is found.

Skag Replacement
1. Raise and support the front of the machine so the skis are approxi-

mately 6I (15.2 cm) from the ground.

2. Remove the attaching hardware 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.

WARNING

Worn skis and/or skags will adversely affect handling. Loss of vehicle control 

may result, causing serious injury or death.
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 control while turning 

on hard-packed snow or ice.

104

MAINTENANCE

Battery

Battery Fluid

A poorly maintained battery will deteriorate rapidly. Check the battery 

fluid level often. Maintain the fluid level between the upper and lower 

level marks.

Battery Connections

Keep battery terminals and connections free of corrosion. When clean-

ing is necessary, remove the corrosion with a stiff wire brush. Wash ter-

minals and connections with a solution of one tablespoon baking soda 

and one cup water. Rinse well with tap water and dry with clean shop 

towels. Coat the terminals with dielectric grease or petroleum jelly.

WARNING

Battery electrolyte is poisonous. It contains acid! Serious burns can result 

from contact with the skin, eyes, or clothing. If contact occurs, seek immedi-

ate medical attention.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
EXTERNAL: Flush with water.
INTERNAL: Drink large quantities of water or milk. Call physician immedi-

ately.
EYES: Flush with water for 15 minutes and get prompt medical attention.
Batteries produce explosive gases. Keep sparks, open flames, cigarettes, 

etc. away. Ventilate when charging or using in closed space. Always shield 

eyes when working near batteries.

CAUTION

Tap water contains minerals that will damage a battery and shorten its life. 

Use only distilled water to refill your battery. Never allow cleaning solution or 

tap water to enter the battery.

105

MAINTENANCE

Battery

Battery Removal

1. Disconnect battery hold down straps.
2. Remove battery vent tube from battery.
3. Disconnect black (negative) battery cable first.
4. Disconnect red (positive) battery cable second.
5. Carefully lift the battery out of the snowmobile. Do not tip it side-

ways or spill electrolyte.

WARNING

Improperly connecting or disconnecting battery cables can result in an explo-

sion and cause serious injury or death. When removing the battery, always 

disconnect the negative (black) cable first. When reinstalling the battery, 

always connect the negative (black) cable last.

CAUTION

If electrolyte spills, immediately wash it off with a solution of one tablespoon 

baking soda and one cup water to prevent damage to the vehicle.