Snowmobile Arctic Cat (2002 year). Manual - part 151

9-82

0727-456

3. If the measurement obtained in step 2 is more than

specified, tighten the adjusting bolts. If the mea-

surement obtained is less than specified, loosen

the adjusting bolts. When the measurement is

within specification range, lock the adjustment by

bottoming the jam nuts against the axle housings.

„

NOTE: Vigorously push the underside of the

track up and down. Track must not hit the top of
the tunnel or slap the skid frame.

4. After correct track tension is obtained, check track

alignment (see Track Alignment in this sub-sec-

tion).

„

NOTE: Track tension and track alignment are

interrelated; always check both even if only one
adjustment seems necessary. Always establish
correct track tension before checking and/or
adjusting alignment.

Track Alignment

„

NOTE: Proper track alignment is when the rear

idler wheels are equidistant from the inner drive
lugs on the inside surface of the track.

CHECKING

1. Using a shielded safety stand, raise the rear of the

snowmobile off the floor making sure the track is

free to rotate.

2. Start the engine and accelerate slightly. Use only

enough throttle to rotate the track several revolu-

tions. SHUT THE ENGINE OFF.

„

NOTE: Allow the track to coast to a stop. Do not

apply the brake because it could produce inaccu-
rate alignment conditions.

3. When the track stops rotating, check the relation-

ship of the rear idler wheels and the inner track

drive lugs. If the distance from the idler wheels to

the inner drive lugs is the same on both sides, no

adjustment is necessary.

725-070A

4. On the side of the track which has the inner drive

lugs closer to the rear idler wheel, loosen the

adjusting bolt jam nut; then rotate the adjusting

bolt clockwise 1-1 1/2 turns.

5. Continue to check the track alignment and make

the necessary adjustments until proper alignment

is obtained.

6. After proper track alignment is obtained, lock the

jam nut against the axle housing.

„

NOTE: Make sure correct track tension is main-

tained after adjusting track alignment.

„

NOTE: Field test the track under actual condi-

tions and, after the field test, check track align-
ment and track tension; adjust as necessary.

! WARNING

The tips of the skis must be positioned against a
wall or similar object for safety. Keep hands, feet,
and clothing away from moving components.

9-83

9

Repair Procedure 3 - 

Track/Rear Suspension

This Track/Rear Suspension sub-section (Repair Pro-

cedure 3) has been organized so each procedure can be

completed individually and efficiently. Each sub-sec-

tion has (as necessary) Removing, Disassembling,

Cleaning and Inspecting, Assembling, and Installing

procedures. Some components may vary from model

to model. The technician should use discretion and

sound judgment when removing and installing compo-

nents.

„

NOTE: Some illustrations and photographs used

in this sub-section are used for clarity purposes
only and are not designed to depict actual condi-
tions.

Removing

Skid Frame

„

NOTE: Many service procedures can be per-

formed without removing the skid frame. Closely
observe the note introducing each sub-section for
this important information.

1. Loosen the jam nuts and two track-tension adjust-

ing bolts.

AG670D

2. Place a support stand under the rear bumper; then

while holding the flared bushing, remove the rear

cap screws securing the skid frame to the tunnel.

Account for lock washers and flat washers.

„

NOTE: The support stand should hold the snow-

mobile level but not raised off the floor.

3. Remove the front cap screws securing the skid

frame to the tunnel. Account for a flat washer and

a lock washer.

4. Remove the support stand; then tip the snow-

mobile onto one side using a piece of cardboard to

protect against scratching. Remove the skid frame.

AG671D

Wear Strips

REMOVING

„

NOTE: It is possible to remove and install a wear

strip without removing the skid frame. To do this,
remove the machine screw and lock nut securing
the wear strip at the front of the slide rail; then
align the wear strip with openings (windows) in the
track and drive it rearward off the slide rail. Apply
low-temperature grease to the new wear strip and
slide rail; then align the wear strip with openings
(windows) in the track and drive it forward onto the
slide rail. Secure with the machine screw and lock
nut.

„

NOTE: The skid frame should be removed for

this procedure (see Removing Skid Frame in this
sub-section).

1. Remove the machine screw and lock nut securing

the wear strip to the front of the slide rail.

AG504D

2. Using a pipe wrench and starting from either end,

hook the edge of the wear strip with the pipe

wrench jaw and twist the wear strip off the slide

rail. Move the pipe wrench 7.5 cm (3 in.) and

again twist the wear strip off the rail. Repeat this

procedure until the wear strip is free of the rail.

„

NOTE: The wear strip can also be driven off the

slide rail; however, it is quicker to use a pipe
wrench.

9-84

AG505D

CLEANING AND INSPECTING

„

NOTE: Whenever a part is worn excessively,

cracked, or damaged in any way, replacement is
necessary.

1. Clean the slide rail using parts-cleaning solvent

and compressed air.

2. Inspect the slide rail for cracks. If any cracks are

found, replace the slide rail.

AG529D

3. Using a straightedge, inspect the slide rail for any

unusual bends. Place the straightedge along the

bottom surface of the slide rail. If the rail is found

to be bent, it must be replaced.

AG536D

INSTALLING

„

NOTE: Apply a light coat of grease to the slide

rail surface to aid in installing a new wear strip. If
there are any sharp edges on the lower portion of
the rail, use a file to remove them.

AG534D

1. From the back, start the wear strip onto the rail;

then using a block of wood and a hammer, drive

the wear strip forward into position.

AG535D

2. Secure with a machine screw and lock nut.

Tighten to 1.1 kg-m (8 ft-lb).

! WARNING

Always wear an approved pair of safety glasses
when using compressed air.

9-85

9

End Caps

„

NOTE: The skid frame does not have to be

removed for this procedure.

REMOVING

1. Remove the lock nut, washers, and cap screw

securing the end cap.

AG506D

2. Using a hammer, tap the end cap off the rail.

CLEANING AND INSPECTING

„

NOTE: Whenever a part is worn excessively,

cracked, or damaged in any way, replacement is
necessary.

1. Inspect the end cap area of the slide rail for cracks

and wear.

AG507D

2. Inspect the end cap for any signs of cracking or

wear.

AG508D

3. Clean both the slide rail area and the end cap.

Using compressed air, clean the areas of dirt and

gravel.

4. Inspect the cap screw for cracked, stretched, or

damaged threads. Use a new lock nut when assem-

bling.

INSTALLING

1. Position the end cap on the slide rail; then align the

hole in the end cap with the hole in the slide rail.

2. Secure with a cap screw, washers, and lock nut.

Tighten to 1.1 kg-m (8 ft-lb).

Shock Pads

„

NOTE: The skid frame does not have to be

removed for this procedure.

REMOVING

1. Using a 3/16-in. drill bit drill out the rivets secur-

ing the shock pad to the slide rail. Account for the

retaining brackets.

AG476D

! WARNING

Always wear an approved pair of safety glasses
when using compressed air.