Snowmobile Polaris EDGE / WIDETRAK (2007-2012 year). Manual - part 51

8.6

Steering and Suspension Systems

9923396 - 2007-2012 EDGE/Widetrak LX Service Manual

Adjustable Shocks

Snowmobiles equipped with adjustable Ryde FX shocks
allow the driver to make adjustments to the compression
valving by turning the screw on the shock.

Locate the adjustment screw near the base of the shock.

By turning the screw clockwise (a small screwdriver or
dime work well), the compression pressure is increased,
stiffening the ride. To soften the ride, reduce the
compression by turning the screw counter-clockwise. A
great deal of ride performance is accomplished with a
mere 1/2 to 1 turns. There are approximately 3 full turns of
adjustment available.

If the suspension is “bottoming”, tighten the compression
screw clockwise in 1/2 turn increments until the bottoming
stops. Backing off 1/4 turn counter-clockwise at this point
should give you the best possible ride ensuring use of the
full travel of the suspension. The opposite procedure
should be used if the suspension is too stiff upon initial set-
up.

If bottoming continues after the screw is turned in full
clockwise, the compression spring should be adjusted
with the threaded adjustment collar. Back the screw out to
the original starting position after the compression spring
has been adjusted.

Riding conditions are ever changing. Keep in mind the
compression damping adjustable screw can be adjusted
at any time to achieve the best possible ride in any
condition.

NOTE: Install shock so the adjustment screw is
facing inwards.

FRONT SUSPENSION / STEERING

Setup and Adjustments

Spring preload is one of the adjustment options which
affects ride. 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 pre-load; the shorter the installed
length of the spring, the more the amount of pre-load. An
increase in IFS shock spring pre-load 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 bottom of the shock) to increase the
preload. Turn in a counterclockwise direction to decrease
preload.

When adjusting, be sure springs on both the left and right
sides of the machine are at the same adjustment.

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 your
machine is using full travel, push the shock jounce bumper
down as far as it will go on the shock rod and test ride the
machine.

The bumper will move up on the rod in direct relation to the
amount of travel. For example, if the shock travel is full, the
bumper will be seated at the top of the shock.

Remove the existing spring and install the next highest
rate spring, or reduce the preload on the existing spring
and change the shock valving to obtain the desired effect.

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.

8.7

Steering and Suspension Systems

9923396 - 2007-2012 EDGE/Widetrak LX Service Manual

Front Suspension Alignment Bar

An alignment bar, PN 5333508, is required to center the
handlebars, set the maximum width, and adjust camber.
Technicians wanting to fabricate their own alignment bar
must adhere to the following specifications:

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

• LENGTH: 45” (114.3cm)

• MATERIAL: C-1018

Camber

The following definitions of camber use automotive
terminology to describe positive and negative positions.

• 0 = Neutral camber. The spindle is 90°

(perpendicular) to the ground.

• + = Positive camber. The bottom of the spindle is

canted inward toward the chassis.

• - = Negative camber. Spindle bottom is canted

outward from the chassis.

8.8

Steering and Suspension Systems

9923396 - 2007-2012 EDGE/Widetrak LX Service Manual

Rod End Engagement

Rod ends must be parallel to their respective mounting
surface after tightening jam nut. When rod ends are
properly tightened, the rod should rotate freely
approximately 1/8 turn.

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

Handlebar Centering

Raise and support the front of the vehicle high enough
to remove the skis. Remove the skis and pivot
bushings.

Loosen the tie rod end jam nuts, then loosen the
fasteners securing the tie rods to the spindles. Insert
the alignment bar through both spindles.

NOTE: The upper radius rods may need to be
removed from the trailing arms depending on the
current camber setting.

Visually center the handlebars, then attempt to
reinstall the tie rods. Verify each tie rod is
approximately the same length, then adjust the
steering drag link to align the handlebar with the skis.

Torque each tie rod end jam nut and spindle arm
fasteners to specification. Remove the alignment bar.
Reinstall the upper radius rod bolts and torque to
specification if removed.

8.9

Steering and Suspension Systems

9923396 - 2007-2012 EDGE/Widetrak LX Service Manual

Maximum Width Adjustment

IMPORTANT:

The camber and maximum width

specifications are dependant on each other.
Changing one requires checking the other setting.

Verify the track is in alignment.

Raise and support the front of the vehicle high enough
to remove the skis. Remove the skis and pivot
bushings.

Disconnect the torsion bar where applicable.

Measure spindle to chassis centering and record the
measurement. Both spindles should be an equal
distance
+/- 1/8" (3mm) from the center of the chassis after
adjusting the setup width and camber. The
measurement is controlled by adjusting radius rod
length.

NOTE: Both spindle centers should be an equal
distance ± 1/8" (3mm) from the center of the chassis.

Using a tape measure, measure the distance between
the centers of each spindle. This measurement is the
maximum setup width.

The width can be adjusted by adjusting radius rod
length on both sides of the chassis and is affected by
the camber setting.

Proceed with adjusting the camber settings.

Camber Adjustment

Determine which spindle requires the greatest
amount of correction by installing the alignment bar
through one spindle to the other spindle. Measure the
distance (2) from the top of the alignment bar to the top
of the ski mount hole with the bushing(s) removed.
Record measurement.

Remove the alignment bar and install it to the opposite
side. Measure the distance (2) from the top of the
alignment bar to the top of the ski mount hole with the
bushing(s) removed. Record measurement

To adjust the camber, change the lower radius rod (1)
length until alignment bar measurement is within the
specified range for each spindle.

Once the specification is achieved, tighten all jam
nut(s) and torque them to 8-14 ft-lb (11-19 N-m).

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

WARNING

Maximum set up width is the maximum allowable

distance between ski spindle centers at ride height.

The Maximum Set Up Width specifications are

maximum width measurements, and are critical to

ensure adequate torsion bar engagement with the

Trailing/Control Arms. If the suspension is set too

wide, the torsion bar may disengage from trailing arm.

Do not attempt to set the suspension wider than the

specified maximum set up width.

Maximum Setup Width

WARNING

After camber adjustment is complete, be sure to

measure set up width outlined in this chapter and

compare to model specifications listed. Do not attempt

to set suspension wider than the specified maximum

set up width. If set up width exceeds maximum, adjust

upper and lower radius rods equally to maintain camber

adjustment.

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