Snowmobile Polaris 550 Transport Trail Touring. Manual - part 24

94

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 1/4 

inches (3.2 cm).

Drive Belt Adjustment

Belt deflection can be adjusted without removing the clutch from the 

jackshaft.

1. Loosen the 7/16-inch jam nut on the belt width adjuster.
2. Using a 1/8-inch Allen wrench, adjust the threaded set screw as 

needed.

NOTE: Turn the set screw in (clockwise) to increase the distance 

between the sheaves and out (counterclockwise) to decrease 

the distance.

3. Tighten the jam nut.

1

2

95

MAINTENANCE

Clutch System

Torque Stop

If your snowmobile is equipped 

with an engine torque stop, periodi-

cally 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.

Reverse Maintenance

If your snowmobile is equipped 

with reverse, or if you have a 

reverse kit installed, it's especially important to maintain track tension 

as specified on page 98.

Allow the engine to reach idle speed before attempting to shift into or 

out of reverse.

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.

CAUTION

Damage will occur to chaincase or transmission if shifting is attempted before 

the machine has come to a complete stop. Make sure the snowmobile has 

completely stopped and the engine has returned to idle speed before shifting 

gears.

.010-.030

I

(.25-.75 mm)

96

MAINTENANCE

Chain Tension

Maintain the proper chain tension as outlined on page 85.

Fall Tune-Up

For maximum performance, arrange for a fall service tune-up with your 

Polaris dealer. His experienced and trained service technician will keep 

your machine in peak operating condition.

Tool Kit

A tool kit is included with each machine for emergency and routine 

maintenance. Always keep the tool kit with the snowmobile.

97

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.

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

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. 

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.

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