Snowmobile Polaris Widetrak LX (2014 year). Manual - part 22

89

MAINTENANCE

Track

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 
running.

Track Tension

Track adjustment is critical for proper handling. Always maintain 
correct tension and alignment. Tension adjustments should be made 
only after the track is warmed up and limber.

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 maintain the track tension as specified.

1. Turn the engine off.

2. Lift the rear of the snowmobile and safely support it off the ground.

3. Place the recommended weight or downward pressure on the track 

at the location specified (see chart and illustration).

4. Measure at the point where the weight is hanging.

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

and the plastic rail slide.

Weight

Measurement

Location

Measurement

10 lbs. (4.54 kg)

16 inches (40 cm) ahead of 

forward idler wheel shaft bolt

3/4-1 inch (2-2.5 cm)

WARNING

90

MAINTENANCE

Track

Track Tension

I

f the track needs adjustment:

6. Loosen the rear idler shaft bolt.

7. Loosen the locknuts.

8. Tighten or loosen the track adjusting screws as necessary to provide 

equal adjustment on both sides of the track.

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

Tip: Check more frequently when snowmobile is new.

10. Start the engine and slowly rotate the track at least five revolutions. 

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

11. Check track alignment (see page 91) and adjust as necessary.

12. Tighten the locknuts.

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

Adjusting

Screw

Locknut

Slack Measurement

Track

10 lbs. (4.54 kg)

Idler 

Shaft 

Bolt

16 in. (40 cm)

p

91

MAINTENANCE

Track

Track Alignment

Periodically check that the track is centered and running evenly on the 
slide rails. Misalignment will cause excessive wear to the track and slide 
rail.

1. Safely support the rear of the snowmobile with the track off the 

ground.

2. Start the engine and apply a small amount of throttle until the track 

turns slowly at least five complete revolutions. Stop the engine and 
let the track come to a stop (do not apply brakes).

3. Inspect track alignment by 

looking through the track 
window to make sure the 
rails are evenly spaced on 
each side. If the track runs to 
the left, loosen the left lock-
nut and tighten the left 
adjusting bolt. If the track 
runs to the right, loosen the 
right locknut and tighten the 
right adjusting bolt.

4. After adjustments are com-

plete, tighten locknuts and 
torque idler shaft bolts to 35 ft. lbs. (47.5 Nm).

5. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to verify proper alignment.

Rails

92

MAINTENANCE

Steering System

Steering Inspection

Each week, or before a long ride, check fasteners and tighten if 
necessary. Specific fasteners that should be checked are marked with an 
(X) in the illustration.

x

x

x

x

x

x