Snowmobile Arctic Cat 2-Stroke (2007 year). Manual - part 129

9-29

9

MS034A

9. Install the skid frame (see Installing Skid Frame in

this sub-section).

„NOTE: It is advisable to install the rear arm
springs onto the adjuster blocks after the skid
frame has been installed.

Rear Shock Absorber 

and Shock Links

„NOTE: The skid frame must be removed for this
procedure (see Removing Skid Frame in this sub-
section).

DISASSEMBLING

1. Using the Rear Suspension Spring Tool (p/n 0144-

311), remove the spring from the adjusting cam.

AG624DA

2. Remove the cap screw securing the lower shock

eyelet and shock links. Account for shock sleeves,

axle links, and a lock nut.

MS035B

„NOTE: Lay components out in order as they are
removed.

3. Remove the cap screw and lock nut securing the

shock absorber at the upper eyelet and remove the

shock absorber. Account for a sleeve and bush-

ings.

MS024A

4. Mark the hole that the upper shock links are

mounted in for assembly purposes; then remove

the cap screw and lock nut securing the shock

links to the upper arm bracket. Account for all

mounting hardware.

MS025

! WARNING

Care must be taken when removing the spring from
the adjusting cam or damage or injury could result.

9-30

CLEANING AND INSPECTING

„NOTE: Whenever a part is worn excessively,
cracked, or damaged in any way, replacement is
necessary.

1. Clean shock pivot and idler wheel axle in part-

cleaning solvent. Dry with compressed air.

2. Clean the idler wheel bearings with a clean cloth.

3. Closely inspect the idler wheel axle for wear,

bends, or damaged threads at either end.

4. Inspect the idler wheels for signs of cracking,

wear, or outer rubber separation from plastic

wheel.

5. Rotate the idler wheel bearings (by hand) and

inspect for any signs of binding or roughness.

6. If a bearing must be replaced, use this procedure.

A. Remove the wheel insert (if applicable) and the

snap ring.

B. Using a hydraulic press, press the bearing out

the inside of the wheel.

C. Press the new bearing (on its outer race) into

the idler wheel.

MS006A

D. Install the snap ring making sure the “sharp

side” is directed away from the bearing.

MS007A

E. Install the insert (if applicable).

7. Inspect the shock absorber for any signs of oil

leakage especially at the point where the shock

shaft enters the shock body.

8. Inspect the rubber shock bushings located in the

shock absorber eyelets for cracks or deterioration.

9. Inspect the shock absorber eyelet welds (at each

end) for any cracks or signs of separation.

10. Inspect the welds securing the eyelets of the shock

links for cracks or signs of separation. Either weld

the eyelet or replace the shock link.

11. Inspect the axle surfaces for any signs of corro-

sion. If corrosion is found, lightly buff the surface

of the axle with #400 wet-or-dry sandpaper; then

apply a light coat of grease.

ASSEMBLING

1. Secure the shock eyelet to the idler arm with bush-

ings, sleeve, lock nut, and a cap screw. Tighten

securely.

MS027

2. Secure the rear shock links and the lower shock

absorber eyelet to the shock pivot bracket by plac-

ing the bushings and shock sleeve into the shock

eyelet; then install the axle links into the rear

shock links. Secure the assembly by installing a

cap screw through the shock link assembly, shock

pivot bracket and shock eyelet assembly, and

shock link assembly. Secure the assembly with a

lock nut. Tighten securely.

! WARNING

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

! CAUTION

Do not remove the bearing unless it is absolutely
necessary. The bearing will be damaged during
removal.

9-31

9

„NOTE: Do not over-tighten the shock absorber
cap screw as the shock eyelet must be free to
pivot.

MS047

3. Position the shock links in the appropriate holes of

the idler arm brackets (see Chassis and Skid Frame

Mounting Locations in this section). Place a

spacer (A) between the center of the brackets.

Insert the axle links (B) into the upper shock link

eyelets; then insert the cap screw with washer

through the eyelets. Secure with a cap screw,

washer, and lock nut. Tighten securely.

MS031A

MS048A

4. Install the upper shock absorber eyelet to the

appropriate hole in the idler arm as noted in disas-

sembling.

„NOTE: Do not over-tighten the shock absorber
cap screw as the shock eyelet must be free to
pivot.

MS024A

5. Install the skid frame (see Installing Skid Frame in

this sub-section).

„NOTE: It is advisable to install the rear arm
springs onto the adjuster blocks after the skid
frame has been installed.

Slide Rails

„NOTE: The skid frame must be removed for this
procedure (see Removing Skid Frame in this sub-
section).

REMOVING

„NOTE: When it is necessary to replace one or
both slide rails, it is recommended that one slide
rail be removed at a time. The remaining slide rail
will then hold the rail supports, axles, and brackets
in their correct assembly order. Always mark the
mounting hole locations during disassembly to
speed up the assembly process and to prevent any
damage. This method is much quicker than to
completely disassemble the entire skid frame. To
replace either rail, use the following procedure.

1. Remove the end cap from the slide rail. Account

for a cap screw, lock nut, and two flat washers.

MS016A

2. Remove the machine screw and lock nut securing

the wear strip to the front of the slide rail; then

using a suitable driving tool, drive the wear strip

rearward off the slide rail.

9-32

MS016B

„NOTE: If binding of the wear strip occurs, it may
be necessary to use a pipe wrench, start from
either end, and 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.

3. Remove the front arm limiter straps from the front

arm of the skid frame.

MS034A

4. Remove the cap screws securing the two front rail

supports to the slide rail.

MS049A

5. Remove the cap screws and lock nuts securing the

front outer idler wheel and the idler wheel mount-

ing block.

MS050A

MS003B

6. Account for a flat washer and two spacer washers.

MS051

7. Remove the cap screw and flat washer securing

the spring slide to the rail. Account for a spacer

and the slide block.

MS052A