Snowmobile Yamaha FX10X, FX10RTX, FX10RTRX, FX10RTRAX, FX10MTX, FX10MTRX, FX10MTRAX. Manual - part 12

2-37

INSP

ADJ

TRACK TENSION ADJUSTMENT

TRACK TENSION ADJUSTMENT

WARNING

A broken track or track fittings, and debris
thrown by the track could be dangerous to an
operator or bystanders. Observe the following
precautions.
• Do not allow anyone to stand behind the

snowmobile when the engine is running.

• When the rear of the snowmobile is raised to

allow the track to spin, a suitable stand must
be used to support the rear of the snowmo-
bile. Never allow anyone to hold the rear of
the snowmobile off the ground to allow the
track to spin. Never allow anyone near a rotat-
ing track.

• Inspect the condition of the track frequently.

Replace the track if it is damaged to a level
where the fabric reinforcement material is vis-
ible.

1. Lift the rear of the snowmobile onto a suitable

stand to raise the track off the ground.

2. Measure:

• Track deflection 

a 

Using a spring scale 1, pull down on the cen-
ter of the track with 100 N (10 kg, 22 lb) of
force.
Out of specification 

→ Adjust.

Track deflection:

FX10/FX10RT/FX10RTR/FX10RTRA

25.0 ~ 30.0 mm (0.98 ~ 1.18 in)

FX10MT/FX10MTR/FX10MTRA

30.0 ~ 35.0 mm (1.18 ~ 1.38 in)

2-38

INSP

ADJ

3. Adjust:

• Track deflection

Adjustment steps:
a. Place the snowmobile onto a suitable stand to

raise the track off of the ground.

b. Loosen the rear axle nut 1. 
c. Start the engine and rotate the track once or

twice. Stop the engine.

d. Check the track alignment with the slide runner

2. If the alignment is incorrect, turn the left and
right adjusters to adjust.

5 Slide runner
6 Track
7 Track metal
a Gap
Ê Forward

e. Adjust the track deflection until the specified

amount is obtained.

CAUTION:

The adjusters should be turned an equal
amount.

f. Recheck the alignment and deflection. If neces-

sary, repeat steps (c) to (e) until the specified
amount is obtained.

g. Tighten the rear axle nut.

Track alignment

È 
Shifted to 
right

É 

Shifted to 

left

3 Left adjuster

Turn out

Turn in

4 Right adjuster

Turn in

Turn out

Track deflection

More than 

specified

Less than 

specified

3 Left adjuster

Turn in

Turn out

4 Right adjuster

Turn in

Turn out

T

 

R

.

.

Rear axle nut:

75 Nm (7.5 m · kg, 54 ft · lb)

È

É

TRACK TENSION ADJUSTMENT

2-39

INSP

ADJ

SLIDE RUNNER INSPECTION/

MAXIMIZING DRIVE TRACK LIFE

SLIDE RUNNER INSPECTION

1. Inspect:

• Slide runner 1 

Cracks/damage/wear 

→ Replace.

2. Measure:

• Slide runner wear limit 

a 

Out of specification 

→ Replace.

Slide runner wear limit:

10.5 mm (0.41 in)

MAXIMIZING DRIVE TRACK LIFE

Recommendations

Track tension
During initial break-in, the new drive track will tend
to stretch quickly as the track settles. Be sure to
correct the track tension and alignment frequently.
(See pages 2-37 ~ 2-38 for adjustment proce-
dures.) A loose track can slip (ratchet), derail or
catch on suspension parts causing severe damage.
Do not overtighten the drive track, otherwise it may
increase the friction between the track and the slide
runners, resulting in the rapid wear of both compo-
nents. Also, this may put an excessive load on the
suspension components, resulting in component
failure.

Marginal snow
The drive track and the slide runners are lubricated
and cooled by snow and water. To prevent the
drive track and slide runners from overheating,
avoid sustained high-speed usage in areas such as
icy trails, frozen lakes and rivers that have minimal
snow coverage. An overheated track will be weak-
ened internally, which may cause failure or dam-
age.

2-40

INSP

ADJ

MAXIMIZING DRIVE TRACK LIFE

Off-trail riding
Avoid off-trail riding until there is sufficient snow
coverage. It generally takes several feet of snow to
provide a good overall base to properly cover
debris, such as rocks, logs, etc. If snow coverage is
not sufficient, stay on trails to avoid impact damage
to the drive track.

Studded track
In general, track life will be shortened when studs
are installed. Drilling stud holes into the drive track
will cut the internal fibers, which weakens the track.
Avoid spinning the drive track. Studs may catch on
an object and pull out of the track, leaving tears and
damage around the already weakened area. To
minimize possible damage, consult your stud man-
ufacturer for installation and stud pattern recom-
mendations.
Yamaha does not recommend track studding.