Snowmobile Polaris 550 Transport Trail Touring. Instruction - part 8

 

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Snowmobile Polaris 550 Transport Trail Touring. Instruction - part 8

 

 

30

THE PERFECT FIT

Front Suspension Adjustments

For the best ride, the suspension should be adjusted to use the full travel 

of the shocks with occasional light bottoming. To determine if your 

machine is using full travel, push the jounce bumper down on the shock 

rod until it contacts the body and test ride the machine. The bumper will 

move up on the rod in relation to the amount of travel that was used dur-

ing the ride. If the travel is full, the bumper will be seated at the top of 

the rod.

Shock Components

The front springs can be 

changed if spring preload 

alone isn't sufficient and 

further adjustment is 

desired to control suspen-

sion stiffness. See your 

Polaris dealer for more 

information.

1. Retainer
2. Shock Rod
3. Jounce Bumper
4. Body
5. Threaded Spring Pre-

load Adjuster Nut

WARNING

Always verify ski alignment before making adjustments to the IFS. See page 

102 to check alignment. If the skis are misaligned, see your dealer, as the 

camber adjustment may also be affected.

2

3

4

5

1

31

THE PERFECT FIT

Front Suspension Adjustments

Spring Preload

Increasing spring preload will increase 

ski-to-ground pressure. Decreasing 

spring preload will decrease ski-to-

ground pressure. When adjusting, be 

sure the springs on both the left and right 

sides of the machine are at the same 

adjustment.

To increase front shock spring preload, 

grasp the spring and turn it to the right. 

Turn it to the left to decrease preload.

Increasing the spring preload too much 

may adversely affect the handling of the 

snowmobile and the performance of the 

suspension. Never exceed one inch of 

preload beyond the factory settings, and 

ensure that both sides are adjusted the 

same. When decreasing preload, make sure at least two turns of preload 

are holding the spring between the retainer on top of the shock and the 

threaded spring preload adjuster nut on the shock body.

NOTE: Not all models have shocks with thread adjustable spring pre-

load. See your dealer for more information. 

Front Springs

For models without externally adjustable or revalvable shocks, the front 

springs can be changed if spring preload alone isn't sufficient and fur-

ther adjustment is desired to control suspension stiffness. See your 

Polaris dealer for more information.

CAUTION

Always leave one thread showing above the adjuster nut. On models 

equipped with a plastic adjuster nut, if the nut is unscrewed from the 

threaded body, the nut will break.

Low

Preload

High

Preload

32

THE PERFECT FIT

Rear Suspension Adjustments

Rider weight, riding style, trail conditions, and vehicle speed all affect 

suspension action.

Each rear suspension can be adjusted to suit rider preference and deliver 

excellent performance for a given set of conditions. However, all sus-

pension designs and adjustments involve a compromise, or trade-off. 

For example, a suspension set up for snowcross racing would provide a 

very stiff ride on the trail. A suspension set up for trail riding would bot-

tom out harshly on a snowcross course.

See your Polaris dealer for initial suspension setup information. Addi-

tional adjustments can be made after initial setup. Make adjustments to 

one area at a time so you can evaluate the change. For further assistance, 

see your dealer.

33

THE PERFECT FIT

Rear Suspension Adjustments

Suspension Performance Tips

• Rider weight usually determines the position at which the spring pre-

load should be set. However, this may vary with riding style. With a 

little experimentation, each rider can find a preferred setup. These 

adjustments are easy to make, involve very little time or effort, and 

greatly affect the ride.

• In deep snow, a new rail slide will offer improved performance over 

worn rail slide. It can also improve top speed.

• When riding on ice or hard-packed snow, adding a set of bogie wheels 

to the rail may enhance the machine's performance. Bogie wheel kits 

are available from your dealer.

• Polaris offers track kits for improved flotation in deep snow. See your 

dealer for assistance.

NOTE: Keep the suspension pivot points lubricated. This will reduce 

moisture and rust build-up and ensure proper function of the 

suspension components. Grease rear suspension pivots before 

adjusting the rear suspension. See page 76.

Track Tension

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

rect tension and alignment. Refer to the track tension maintenance sec-

tion beginning on page 98.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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