Snowmobile Polaris Widetrak LX (2015 year). Manual - part 23

94

MAINTENANCE

Steering System

Ski Skags

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.

WARNING! Worn skis and/or skags will adversely affect handling. Loss of 
vehicle control may result, causing serious injury or death.

Check skags weekly to maintain positive steering characteristics. Skags 
must be replaced when worn to half their original diameter. Carbide 
skags must be replaced if any abnormal wear or chipping is found.

Skag Replacement

1. Raise and support the front of the snowmobile so the skis are 

approximately 6 inches (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.

95

MAINTENANCE

Suspension Maintenance

Rail Slide Wear

For ease of inspection, all 
POLARIS rail slides have a 
wear limit indicator groove 
to indicate the minimum 
permissible 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.

Suspension Inspections

Loose nuts and bolts can reduce your snowmobile’s reliability and cause 
needless repairs and down time. Before beginning any snowmobile trip, 
a visual inspection will uncover potential problems. Check the 
following items on a weekly basis or before any long trip:
• Check suspension mounting bolts for tightness.
• Check rear idler wheel bolts for tightness. See page 90.
• Check rear idler adjusting bolt locknuts for tightness.
• Check front torque arm limiter strap condition.
• Check rail slide condition.
• Check track tension. See page 89.
• Lubricate/grease all suspension components. See page 65.
• Check ski runner/skag condition. See page 94.
• Check ski spindle bolts for tightness.
• Check tie rod end nuts for tightness.

Replace when 

worn to top of 

groove

Minimum 

Thickness

96

MAINTENANCE

Battery

Battery electrolyte is poisonous. It contains acid! Serious burns can result from 
contact with the skin, eyes, or clothing. If contact occurs, seek immediate 
medical attention.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

EXTERNAL: Flush with water.

INTERNAL: Drink large quantities of water or milk. Call physician immediately.

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.

Battery Fluid

A poorly maintained battery will 
deteriorate rapidly. Check the battery 
fluid level often. The fluid level 
should be kept between the upper and 
lower level marks.

NOTICE: 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.

WARNING

Upper Mark

Lower 
Mark

97

MAINTENANCE

Battery

Battery Connections

Keep battery terminals and connections free of corrosion. When 
cleaning is necessary, remove the corrosion with a stiff wire brush. 
Wash terminals 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.

Battery Removal

WARNING! Improperly connecting or disconnecting battery cables can result in 
an explosion 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.

1. Disconnect the battery hold-down straps.

2. Remove the battery vent tube from battery.

3. Disconnect the black (negative) battery cable first.

4. Disconnect the red (positive) battery cable last.

5. Carefully lift the battery out of the snowmobile. Do not tip it 

sideways or spill electrolyte.

NOTICE: 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.