Snowmobile Polaris FS IQ Widetrak (2013 year). Manual - part 30

122

MAINTENANCE

Track Tension

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 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 snowmo-

bile 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.

Tip: Measure at the point where the 

weight is hanging.

TRACK TENSION DATA CHART

Suspension

Slack Measurement

Weight

Measurement 

Location

FS IQ Widetrak

1/2-3/4 inch
(12-19 mm)

10 lbs. 

(4.54 kg)

16 inches (40 cm) 

ahead of rear 

idler shaft

10 lbs. 

(4.54 kg)

16 inches 

(40 cm)

123

MAINTENANCE

Track Tension

4. Check for specified slack between the wear surface of the track clip 

and the plastic rail slide. 

If the track needs adjustment:

5. Loosen the rear idler shaft bolt.

6. Loosen the lock nuts.

7. Tighten or loosen the track adjusting screws as necessary to provide 

equal adjustment on both sides of the track.

8. Repeat the measurement on the other side of the track.

Tip: Check more frequently when the snowmobile is new.

9. Start the engine and slowly rotate the track at least five revolutions. 

Let the track come to a stop (do not apply brakes).

10. Check track alignment (see page 124) and adjust as necessary.

11. Tighten the lock nuts.

12. Tighten the idler shaft bolts. Torque to 35 ft. lbs. (47.5 Nm).

Idler Shaft 

Bolt

Adjusting 

Screw

Lock 

Nut

124

MAINTENANCE

Track Alignment

Periodically check that the track is 
centered and running evenly on the 
slide rails. Misalignment will cause 
excessive wear to the track and slide 
rail.

1. Safely support the rear of the 

snowmobile with the track off the 
ground.

2. Start the engine and apply a small 

amount of throttle until the track 
turns slowly at least five com-
plete revolutions. Stop the engine 
and let the track come to a stop 
(do not apply brakes). 

3. Inspect track alignment by looking through the track window to 

make sure the rails are evenly spaced on each side. If the track runs 
to the left, loosen left locknut and tighten the left adjusting bolt. If 
the track runs to the right, loosen right locknut and tighten the right 
adjusting bolt.

4. After adjustments are complete, tighten locknuts and torque idler 

shaft bolts to 35 ft. lbs. (47.5 Nm).

5. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to verify proper alignment.

Rail Slide Wear

For ease of inspection, all 
POLARIS rail slides have a 
wear limit indicator groove to 
indicate the minimum permissi-
ble slide thickness. Replace the 
rail slides if they are worn to the 
top of the groove at any point 
along their length.

NOTICE: Failure to replace worn 

rail slides may result in 
permanent damage to 
the track or rails.

Rails

Replace when 

worn to top of 

groove

Minimum

Thickness

125

MAINTENANCE

Steering System

Steering Inspection and Adjustment

Each week, or before a long ride, check fasteners and tighten if neces-
sary. Specific fasteners that should be checked are marked with an (X) 
in the illustration.

x

x

x

x

x