Snowmobile Polaris 340 Edge / 550 LX (2008 year). Instruction - part 24

96

MAINTENANCE

Track

Track Inspection

1. Using a hoist, safely lift and 

support the rear of the snow-

mobile off the ground.

2. Rotate the track by hand to 

check for damage.

3. Carefully examine the track 

along the entire length of each 

rod (+). Bend the track to 

check for breakage. 

4. Replace the track if any rod 

damage is found.

WARNING

Broken track rods can cause a rotating track to come off the machine, which 

could cause serious injury or death. Never operate with a damaged track. 

Never rotate a damaged track under power. 

+

97

MAINTENANCE

Track

Track Lubrication

The slide rail needs snow for lubrication. Excessive wear indicates 

insufficient lubrication. A new rail slide can cause faster heat build-up 

in limited lubrication, resulting in excessive wear. 

NOTE: If excessive rail slide wear occurs due to poor snow conditions, 

additional wheel kits are available. See your dealer for more 

information.

NOTE: Track damage or failure caused by operation on ice or under 

other poor lubrication conditions will void the track warranty.

WARNING

Operating with insufficient lubrication between the rail slide and track guide 

clips can cause track failure, loss of vehicle control and loss of braking ability, 

which can result in serious injury or death. Avoid operating for extended peri-

ods on ice and other surfaces that have little or no snow for lubrication.

98

MAINTENANCE

Track

 

Track Tension

Track adjustment is critical for proper handling. Always maintain cor-

rect tension and alignment. 

NOTE: Tension adjustments should be made only after the track is 

warmed up and limber.

1. Turn the engine off.
2. Lift the rear of the machine and safely support it off the ground.
3. Place the recommended weight or downward pressure on the track 

at the specified distance (see chart) ahead of the center of the rear 

idler wheel.

NOTE: Measure at the point where the weight is hanging.

4. Check for specified slack between the wear surface of the track clip 

and the plastic slider. Refer to the Track Tension Data Chart on page 

98. 

WARNING

Moving parts can cut and crush body parts. When performing the checks and 

adjustments recommended on the following pages, stay clear of all moving 

parts. Never perform track measurement or adjustments with the engine run-

ning.

TRACK TENSION DATA CHART

Suspension

Weight

Measurement 

Location

Slack 

Measurement

EDGE

10 lbs. (4.54 kg)

16

I

 ahead of 

rear idler shaft

3/8

I

-1/2

I

(1-1.3 cm)

WARNING

Improper track tension can cause serious damage to the snowmobile, which 

can result in loss of vehicle control and serious injury or death. Always main-

tain the track tension as specified.

99

MAINTENANCE

Track

Track Tension

If the track needs adjustment:

5. Loosen the rear idler shaft bolt.
6. Loosen the locknuts. 

7. Tighten or loosen the track adjusting screws to provide equal adjust-

ment on both sides of the track.

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

NOTE: Check more frequently when the machine is new.

9. Start the machine and slowly rotate the track at least five revolu-

tions. Let the track come to a stop (do not apply brakes).

10. Check track alignment (see page 100) and adjust as necessary.
11. Tighten the locknuts.
12. Tighten the idler shaft bolts. 
13. (

n

) Torque idler shaft bolts to 35 ft. lbs. (47.5 Nm).

Adjusting Screw

Shaft Bolt

16

I

(40 cm)

S

10 lbs. (4.54 kg)

Track

Slack

Measurement

Locknut