Snowmobile Polaris 550 IQ / 550 Shift (2012 year). Instruction - part 21

84

MAINTENANCE

Clutch System

Drive Belt Installation

1. Drop the drive belt over the 

drive clutch and pull back the 
slack. The belt cord line 
should be flush with, or 
slightly above, the outer cir-
cumference of the driven 
clutch sheaves. The belt will 
seat itself in the driven clutch 
during the break-in period. 
Adjust the belt ride-out after 
the break-in period by read-
justing belt deflection.

Tip: To ensure satisfactory belt life, install belts so they operate in the same 

direction of rotation by positioning the identification numbers so that you 
can read them.  If required, separate the sheaves as outlined in the belt 
removal procedures.

2. Rotate the L-wrench counter-clockwise to tighten the sheaves while 

working the belt to the outer edge of the sheaves.

3. Remove the L-wrench and store it in the tool kit.

4. Reinstall the side panel.

5. Close and secure the hood.

6. Break in the new belt. See page 49.

Drive Belt

Belt width and length must match the center distance of the clutches and 
sheave width of the drive clutch. POLARIS recommends the use of 
O.E.M. belts. Other belts may match the dimensions, but can drastically 
change the shift pattern, resulting in poor performance. 

Tip: A worn belt will continue to function, but will not deliver maximum perfor-

mance. Always carry a spare belt in case of an emergency.

85

MAINTENANCE

Clutch System

n Drive Belt Deflection

Measure belt deflection with both 
clutches at rest and in their full 
neutral position.
Place a straight edge (1) on the 
belt and apply downward pressure 
while measuring at point 2. This 
measurement should be 1 1/4I 
(3.2 cm).

Drive Belt Adjustment

1. Install the L-wrench into the open threaded hole in the outer sheave 

of the clutch (see page 83). Turn the wrench clockwise slightly to 
remove pressure from the sheaves.

2. Loosen the 7/16I jam nut.

3. Using a 1/8I Allen wrench, turn the set screw inward (clockwise) to 

increase the distance between the sheaves or outward (counterclock-
wise) to decrease the distance.

4. Tighten the jam nut. Store the L-wrench in the tool kit.

Torque Stop

Periodically check torque stop 
clearance. With clutches in 
proper alignment, the torque 
stop clearance should be 
.010I-.030I (.25-.75 mm) 
from the engine case.

Adjust if necessary, and lock 
the jam nut.

1

2

.010

I

-.030

I 

(.25-.75 mm)

86

MAINTENANCE

Track Maintenance

Track Inspection

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. 

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.



87

MAINTENANCE

Track Maintenance

Track Lubrication

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

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

wheel kits are available.  See your dealer for more information.

Tip: Track damage or failure caused by operation on ice or under other poor 

lubrication conditions will void the track warranty.