Snowmobile Polaris RMK Shift / RMK / Dragon RMK (2008 year). Manual - part 25

101

MAINTENANCE

Track Lubrication

The slide rail requires adequate snow cover for sufficient lubrication. 
Excessive wear indicates insufficient lubrication. A new rail slide can 
cause faster heat build-up in limited lubrication, resulting in excessive 
wear.

NOTE:

Track damage or failure caused by operation on ice or under other 

poor lubrication conditions will void the track warranty.

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 lit-

tle or no snow for lubrication.

CAUTION

High speed use on hard-packed surfaces is not recommended for models 

equipped with a deep lug track. Track lug damage may occur. Keep high 

speed use to a minimum, including frequent slow-speed intervals for track 

cooling.

102

MAINTENANCE

Track Tension

Track tension is critical for maximum efficiency and performance. 
Track tension controls the approach angle of the track to the rail beam in 
powder snow conditions. Deep snow performance will be optimized at 
the specified tension. Looser tensions will cause the track to “bunch” in 
front of the rail tips, causing improper approach angle and poor perfor-
mance. New tracks will need to be retightened and aligned after the first 
ride.

NOTE:

Tension adjustments should be made only after the track is warmed up 

and limber.

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 specified distance (see chart) ahead of the center of the rear 
idler wheel.

NOTE:

Measure at the point where the weight is placed.

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

and the plastic rail slide.

WARNING

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 run-

ning.

TRACK TENSION DATA CHART

Suspension

Weight

Measurement 

Location

Slack 

Measurement

IQ RMK

10 lbs. (4.54 kg)

16" (40 cm) 

ahead of rear 

idler shaft

3/8"-1/2"

(1-1.3 cm)

103

MAINTENANCE

Track Tension 

If the track needs adjustment:

5. Loosen the rear idler shaft bolt.

6. Loosen the lock nuts.

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

equal adjustment on both sides of the track.

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

NOTE:

Check more frequently when the snowmobile is new.

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

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

10. Check track alignment (see page 104) and adjust as necessary.

11. Tighten the lock nuts.

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

Idler Shaft Bolt

Adjusting 

Screw

Lock 

Nut

10 lbs. 

(4.54 kg)

16" (40 cm)

104

MAINTENANCE

n

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 com-
plete 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 locknut 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 complete, tighten the locknuts and torque 

idler shaft bolts to 35 ft. lbs. (47.5 Nm).

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

Rail

Window