Snowmobile Polaris 2006 - 2007 FS / FST. Manual - part 49

9.11

Front Suspension / Steering

9

Rev. 1 07/2006

ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES

S

ETUP

 

AND

 A

DJUSTMENTS

Spring preload is the amount of pressure at which the spring is
held. The longer the installed length of the spring, the less the
amount of preload; the shorter the installed length of the spring,
the more the amount of preload. An increase in IFS shock spring
preload will result in an increase in ski pressure.

To adjust front spring preload on threaded adjust models, grasp
the spring and turn in a clockwise direction (as viewed from the
top  of the shock) to increase the preload. Turn in a
counterclockwise direction to decrease preload.

Always set the preload equally between the right and left-side
shocks.

For the best ride the spring preload should be as low as possible.
Set the preload to use the full travel of the ski shock with
occasional light bottoming.

To determine if the suspension is using full travel, place the
shock’s jounce bumper against the shock body, then test ride the
machine.

The bumper will move on the rod in relation to the amount of
travel. For example, if the shock travel is full, the bumper will
travel the entire length of the shock rod.

To prevent excessive bottoming-out, install the next highest rate
spring, or reduce the preload on the existing spring and change
the shock valving to obtain the desired effect.

NOTE: Shock valving can only be adjusted or
changed on models that have serviceable shocks.

Alignment Bar Specifications

• DIAMETER: .623”-.625” (15.824-15.875mm)

• LENGTH:  45” (114.3cm)

• MATERIAL: C-1018

Camber

• 0 = Neutral camber. The spindle is 90_ (perpendicular) 

to the ground.

• + = Positive camber. Spindle top is canted outward 

from the chassis.

• - = Negative camber. Spindle top is canted inward 

towards the chassis.

CAUTION

If the plastic nut is unscrewed from the threaded body 

the nut will break. Always leave one thread showing 

above the plastic nut or the spring coils will stack, 

resulting in damage.

+

-

0

9.12

Front Suspension / Steering

Rev. 1 07/2006

Rod Ends

Rod ends must be parallel to their respective mounting surface
after tightening jam nut. If possible, support the edge of the rod
end to keep it from rotating out of position until jam nut is tight.
When rod ends are properly tightened, the rod should rotate
freely approximately 1/8 turn.

Rod End Engagement

Rod ends must engage the rod a minimum of 2x the thread
diameter when adjustment is complete.

Example: .4375” (11mm) rod end (A) X 2 = minimum thread
engagement (B) .875” (22mm).

Camber Adjustment

1.

Raise the front of the machine so that the skis are off the
floor 3” (7.62cm). The shocks should be at full extension

2.

Remove the skis.

3.

Determine which spindle requires the greatest amount of
correction my installing the alignment bar through one
spindle to the other spindle. Measure the distance from the
top of the alignment bar to the top of the ski mount hole with
the bushing(s) removed. Record measurement.

4.

Remove the alignment bar and install it to measure the
opposite side. Measure the distance from the top of the
alignment bar to the top of the ski mount hole with the
bushing(s) removed. Record measurement 

5.

To adjust the camber, unlock the lock nut and adjust the
camber with the adjuster nut until alignment bar
measurement is within the specified range for each spindle.

6.

Once the specification is achieved, tighten all jam nut(s)
and torque them Ft.Lb. (61 Nm).

7.

Re-check the set up width and compare to specification.

Handlebar Centering

1.

Raise the front of the machine off the floor so that the
spindles are off the floor 3”(7.62cm).

2.

Insert the alignment bar through both ski bolt holes in each
spindles.

3.

Adjust Toe until handlebar is centered.

Toe Adjustment

Toe is adjusted with the shocks and skis installed. Track
alignment must be correct before starting this process. 

Toe alignment is measured at ride height.

1.

Lift front of the machine off the floor rock the front end up
and down and then set it down gently. This will set the unit
at ride height.

2.

Measure and make a mark 10” (2.54cm) forward of the ski
mount bolt and 10” (2.54cm) behind the ski mount bolt,
preferably on the center line of the carbide skags.

3.

Place a straight edge along the one side of the track. Make
sure that the straight edge is touching along the length of
the track.

A

B

2

1

3

9.13

Front Suspension / Steering

9

Rev. 1 07/2006

4.

Record the measurements from the edge of the straight edge
to the forward ski mark and the rearward ski mark.

5.

Adjust the tie rod so that both measurements are the same.

6.

Place the straight edge on the opposite side of the track and
measure the opposite ski marks.

7.

Adjust the tie rod so that both measurements are the same.

8.

Verify that the ski center distances are within specification
from the forward marks and the rearward marks.

DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY

Spindle Removal

1.

Securely support the front of the machine up off the floor.

2.

Remove the ski(s).

3.

Remove the upper control arm (UCA)-to-spindle fastener.

4.

Remove the fastener securing the lower control arm (LCA)
to the spindle. Note the orientation of the fastener and nut.

5.

Remove the tie rod from the spindle, by removing the nut
and bolt.

Spindle Assembly

1.

Assembly is the reverse order of disassembly. Reference
the front suspension assembly illustration for fastener
torque values.

Spherical Bearing Replacement

1.

Remove the fastener securing the lower control arm (LCA)
to the spindle.

2.

Remove the lower shock fastener.

3.

Remove the fasteners securing the LCA to the bulkhead.

4.

Remove the snap ring, then, using a press, press the
spherical bearing out of the LCA.

5.

Press in a new bearing, then install the snap ring.

6.

Assemble the LCA into the spindle, and shock into LCA.
Reference front suspension assembly illustration for
fastener torque values.

Upper / Lower Control Arm Removal

1.

Remove the fastener securing the control arm being
removed from the spindle. Remove the lower shock
fastener.

2.

Remove the fasteners securing the control arm to the
bulkhead.

3.

Remove the control arm, pivot bushings, and pivot shafts.

Upper / Lower Control Arm Installation

1.

Replace the upper or lower control arm bushings in the
control arm(s).

2.

Replace the upper or lower control arm(s) into the
bulkhead.

3.

Reference the front suspension illustration for the
appropriate fastener torque.

NOTE: There is a washer located on the rearward
lower control arm mounting at the bolt head.

NOTES

Front Suspension / Steering

9.14

Rev. 1 07/2006