Snowmobile Arctic Cat (2008 year). Manual - part 149

7-156

FS016

22. Install the button-head screw into the nitrogen

valve.

FS040

23. Clean all oil residue from the shock and reservoir

with solvent and dry with compressed air in a well

ventilated area. 

24. Install the polyurethane bushings and steel sleeves

into the eyelets.

Shaft Eyelet

REMOVING

1. Using Shock Rod Clamping Tool to prevent dam-

age to the shaft surface, place the shock shaft into

a vise.

2. Heat the shaft eyelet with a torch to soften the

Loctite.

AG260

„NOTE: The eyelet must be heated up to 300° for
the Loctite to soften.

3. Using a wrench, unscrew the eyelet from the shaft.

AG261

„NOTE: With the eyelet removed, inspect the bot-
tom-out bumper for cracks or wear.

INSTALLING

1. Clean shaft threads and eyelet threads. 

2. Apply red Loctite #271 to both threads, install the

eyelet, and tighten securely.

Pressurizing 

Rebuildable Shocks

To pressurize the gas shock absorber, a regulator sys-

tem and a nitrogen tank will be needed.

! WARNING

Charge the shock using nitrogen gas only. DO NOT
CHARGE WITH ANY OTHER TYPE OF GAS. Doing so
will compromise the performance of the shock and
may be EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.

7-157

7

AG271

„NOTE: Before inserting the needle into the blad-
der, lubricate the needle with light oil to make
installation easier.

1. Insert the Inflation Needle into the shock bladder;

then open the valve on the filler handle.

FS079

2. Turn the nitrogen tank valve open and slowly

rotate the regulator T-handle inward until the

gauge reads 200 lb of pressure; then close filler

valve and remove inflation needle.

3. Install the screw into the bladder housing and

tighten securely.

4. With the reservoir pressurized, push down on the

shock shaft until it nearly bottoms and release it.

The shaft should return to its extended position

smoothly.

„NOTE: If a soft spot or a mushy area is felt as
the shaft is pushed down, this would indicate air in
the shock body. If there is air in the shock body,
discharge the reservoir gas pressure. Disassem-
ble the shock to the point that the “filling with oil”
and the “bleeding air” procedures can be redone.
Assemble and repeat the pressurizing procedure.
To test the shock absorber for nitrogen gas leaks,
submerge in water.

Troubleshooting Track

! WARNING

Never have a nitrogen bottle in the area without hav-
ing it chained or secured. If the bottle should tip over
and the regulator break off, the gas inside it is under
1800 lb of pressure and personal injury may result.

! WARNING

Always rotate the regulator T-handle to its loose
position each time when finished using the system.
Each time before the nitrogen tank valve is opened,
check to make sure the regulator T-handle is turned
out. When opening the nitrogen tank valve, never
stand in front of the regulator in case there should
be a problem.

Problem: Track Edge Frayed — Drive Lugs Worn

Condition

Remedy

1. Track alignment adjusted incorrectly

1. Align — replace track

Problem: Track Worn Adjacent to Outer Drive Lugs

Condition

Remedy

1. Track tension adjusted incorrectly

1. Adjust track tension

2. Rear idler wheels dirty — damaged

2. Clean — replace idler wheels

Problem: Track Ratchets — Slaps Tunnel

Condition

Remedy

1. Track tension adjusted incorrectly (too loose)

1. Adjust track tension (tighten)

2. Drive sprockets misaligned — damaged

2. Align — replace sprockets

Problem: Wear-Strip Wear Excessive

Condition

Remedy

1. Slide rail bent — broken — damaged

1. Repair — replace slide rail

2. Track alignment adjusted incorrectly

2. Adjust track alignment

8-1

8

SECTION 8 — STEERING AND BODY

TABLE OF 

CONTENTS

Steering and Body .................................................. 8-2
Steering Post (Bearcat/Panther) ............................. 8-2
Steering Post (Crossfire/M-Series) ......................... 8-6
Steering Post (F-Series/T-Series) ........................... 8-8
Ski ......................................................................... 8-11
Ski Wear Bar ......................................................... 8-12
Drag Link (Bearcat/Panther) ................................. 8-12
Drag Link (F-Series/T-Series)................................ 8-14
Front Tie Rods (Bearcat/Panther) ......................... 8-16
Tie Rods/Steering Link (Crossfire/M-Series) ........ 8-17
Tie Rods (F-Series/T-Series) ................................ 8-18
Spindle (Bearcat/Panther) ..................................... 8-19
Spindle (Crossfire/M-Series) ................................. 8-20
Spindle (F-Series/T-Series) ................................... 8-22
Steering Tie Rod (Bearcat/Panther)...................... 8-24
Steering Tie Rod (Crossfire/M-Series).................. 8-25
Steering Tie Rod (F-Series/T-Series) .................... 8-26
Ski Alignment ........................................................ 8-27
Front Suspension Arms (Bearcat/Panther) ........... 8-29
Front Suspension Arms (Crossfire/M-Series) ....... 8-30
Front Suspension Arms (F-Series/T-Series) ......... 8-34
Front Suspension (Ski) Shock Absorber ............... 8-36
Sway Bar (F-Series/T-Series)................................ 8-37
Front Suspension Mounting Bracket

 (F-Series/T-Series)............................................ 8-37

Console (Crossfire/M-Series)................................ 8-41
Console (Bearcat/Panther).................................... 8-41

Console (F-Series/T-Series) .................................. 8-41
Belly Pan (Bearcat/Panther) .................................. 8-42
Belly Pan (Crossfire/M-Series) .............................. 8-48
Gas Tank/Seat Assembly (Bearcat/Panther) ......... 8-50
Gas Tank/Seat Assembly (Crossfire/M-Series) ..... 8-50
Gas Tank/Seat Assembly (F-Series/T-Series) ....... 8-51
Seat Cushion......................................................... 8-53
Taillight/Brakelight Assembly ................................. 8-53
Windshield

(Bearcat/Crossfire/M-Series/Panther) ................ 8-54

Windshield (F-Series/T-Series) ............................. 8-55
Backrest/Rack Assembly (Bearcat/Panther) ......... 8-55
Tunnel/Rear Bumper/Snowflap 

(Bearcat/Panther)............................................... 8-55

Tunnel/Chassis/Rear Bumper/Snowflap

(Crossfire/M-Series)........................................... 8-56

Tunnel/Chassis/Rear Bumper/Snowflap

(F-Series/T-Series)............................................. 8-56

Rear Storage Compartment (F-Series) ................. 8-57
Air Silencer Assembly (Crossfire/M-Series) .......... 8-58
Headlight Assembly (Bearcat/Panther) ................. 8-58
Headlight Assembly (F-Series/T-Series) ............... 8-58
Headlight Assembly (Crossfire/M-Series) ............. 8-59
Adjusting Headlight Aim  ....................................... 8-60

8-2

Steering and Body

This section has been organized into sub-sections for

servicing steering and body components; however,

some components may vary from model to model. The

technician should use discretion and sound judgment

when removing and installing components.

„NOTE: Some illustrations and photographs
used in this section are used for clarity purposes
only and are not designed to depict actual condi-
tions.

„NOTE: Critical torque specifications are located
in Section 1 of this manual.

SPECIAL TOOLS

A special tool must be available to the technician when

servicing the steering and body systems.

„NOTE: Special tools are available from the Arc-
tic Cat Service Parts Department.

Steering Post

(Bearcat/Panther)

REMOVING

1. Tip the snowmobile on its side. Remove the

screws securing the skid plate.

AL144D

2. Remove the cotter pin, cap screw, and lock nut

securing the tie rod to the steering post.

AL146D

3. Remove the two cap screws and lock nuts securing

the lower steering post bracket to the front end

assembly. Account for the backing plate, two

washers, bearing caps, bearing halves, and wash-

ers.

AL145D

4. Tip the snowmobile upright. Remove the handle-

bar pad.

AL136D

5. Remove the four lock nuts and cap screws secur-

ing the adjuster caps to the adjuster block; then

remove the caps. Place the handlebar assembly to

the side. Remove the adjuster block.

Description

p/n

Shock Spring Removal Tool

0644-057