Snowmobile Polaris 120. Instruction - part 17

64

ADULT SECTION

Maintenance

Track Tension Adjustment

1. Loosen the rear idler shaft bolt.
2. Tighten or loosen the track adjusting screws to provide equal adjust-

ment on both sides of the track.

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

NOTE:

Check tension more frequently when the machine is new.

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

Allow the track to stop rotating by itself (do not apply brakes).

5. Check and adjust track alignment. See page 65.
6. Tighten the idler shaft bolt. Torque to 35-40 ft. lbs. (47-54 Nm).
7. Readjust the toe block to proper spacing and tighten.

WARNING

When performing the following checks and adjustments, stay clear of all mov-

ing parts to avoid serious personal injury. Make sure the track contains no 

objects that could be thrown out while the track is rotating. Keep clear of track. 

This includes but is not limited to hands, tools, feet and clothing. Make sure no 

one is standing close to the machine while the track is rotating.

65

ADULT SECTION

Maintenance

Track Alignment

Check track alignment at the intervals outlined in the periodic mainte-

nance chart beginning on page 50. Make sure the track is centered and 

running evenly on the slide rails. Misalignment will cause excessive 

wear to the track and slide rail.

1. Support the rear of the 

snowmobile slightly off the 

ground with an appropriate 

snowmobile support.

2. Start the engine and apply a 

small amount of throttle 

until the track turns slowly 

at least five complete revo-

lutions. Stop the engine.

3. Inspect track alignment by 

looking through the track 

windows to make sure the 

rails are evenly spaced on 

each side. If the track runs 

to the left, loosen the left 

idler wheel mounting bolt and tighten the left track adjusting bolt. If 

the track runs to the right, loosen the right idler wheel mounting bolt 

and tighten the right track adjusting bolt.

4. After adjustments are complete, tighten the locknuts and idler shaft 

bolts. Torque to 35-40 ft. lbs. (47-54 Nm).

5. Repeat step 2 to verify proper alignment.

WARNING

When performing the following checks and adjustments, stay clear of all mov-

ing parts to avoid serious personal injury. Make sure the track contains no 

objects that could be thrown out while the track is rotating. Keep clear of track. 

This includes but is not limited to hands, tools, feet and clothing. Make sure no 

one is standing close to the machine while the track is rotating.

Slider

Rail

66

ADULT SECTION

Maintenance

Track Warm Up

After storing your snowmobile 

outside overnight, warm up the 

track before driving the snow-

mobile. This reduces drive 

clutch wear.
1. Support the rear of the 

snowmobile slightly off the 

ground with an appropriate 

snowmobile support.

2. Start the engine.
3. Abruptly engage the clutch, allowing the track to turn for several 

revolutions.

4. Release the throttle and apply the brakes.
5. Stop the engine.
6. Lower the rear of the snowmobile to the ground while the engine is 

off.

WARNING

Never hold the snowmobile up or 

stand behind it while rotating the 

track. A loose track or flying debris 

could cause serious personal injury 

or death.

67

ADULT SECTION

Maintenance

Track Inspection

Check track condition at the intervals outlined in the periodic mainte-

nance chart beginning on page 50.

1. Support the rear of the 

snowmobile slightly off the 

ground with an appropriate 

snowmobile support.

2. Rotate the track by hand to 

check for wear or damage.

3. Carefully examine the 

track along the entire 

length of each track rod, 

bending the track and 

inspecting for breakage. 

NOTE:

The three most common 

places where breakage 

occurs are shown in the 

illustration.

4. Check the track clips and 

tighten any loose clips. If 

any rod damage is found, install a new track.

NOTE:

This snowmobile track has molded-in track clips. It is common for a 

thin layer of rubber to detach from the clip area and peel off during ini-

tial use.

WARNING

Inspecting the track while the engine 

is running can result in serious per-

sonal injury if the track should being 

to move. Never inspect the track with 

the engine running. Never hold the 

snowmobile up or stand behind it 

while rotating the track. A loose track 

or flying debris could cause serious 

personal injury or death.

Track 

Window

Lug

Common Breakage Areas