Content Source: 2019 550 WideTrak LX Owner’s Manual (9928875 R01) > The Perfect Fit Chapter

IMPORTANT

The Owner's Manual for this vehicle contains warnings, instructions and other information you must read and fully understand before safely riding or performing maintenance on this vehicle.Always follow the warnings and instructions in Owner's Manual.

Click the CONTENTS link above for the Table Of Contents, or download a full PDF of the Owner Manual in the Owner Support area of Polaris.com

Rear Suspension Adjustments

Rider weight, riding style, trail conditions, and vehicle speed all affect suspension action. Each rear suspension can be adjusted to suit rider preference and deliver excellent performance for a given set of conditions. However, all suspension designs and adjustments involve a compromise, or trade-off. For example, a suspension set up for snow-cross racing would provide a very stiff ride on the trail. A suspension set up for trail riding would bottom out harshly on a snow-cross course.
Your POLARIS dealer can provide the initial suspension setup information. Additional adjustments can be made after initial setup. Make adjustments to one area at a time so you can evaluate the change. For further assistance, your dealer can assist.

Suspension Performance Tips

  • Rider weight usually determines the position at which the spring preload should be set. However, this may vary with riding style. With a little experimentation, each rider can find a preferred set-up. These adjustments are easy to make, involve very little time or effort, and greatly affect the ride.
  • In deep snow, a new rail slide will offer improved performance over a worn rail slide. It can also improve top speed.
  • When riding on ice or hard-packed snow, adding a set of bogie wheels to the rail may enhance the snowmobile’s performance. Bogie wheel kits are available from your dealer.
  • POLARIS offers track kits for improved flotation in deep snow. See your dealer for assistance.
TIP
Keep the suspension pivot points lubricated. This will reduce moisture and rust build-up and ensure proper function of the suspension components. Grease rear suspension pivots before adjusting the rear suspension.

Track Tension

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
running.
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).

    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)
  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.

If the track needs adjustment:

  1. Loosen the rear idler shaft bolt.
  2. Loosen the locknuts.
  3. Tighten or loosen the track adjusting screws as necessary to provide equal adjustment on both sides of the track.
  4. Repeat the measurement on the other side of the track.
    TIP
    Check more frequently when snowmobile is new.
  5. Start the engine and slowly rotate the track at least five revolutions. Let the track come to a stop (do not apply brakes).
  6. Check track alignment (see page 101) and adjust as necessary.
  7. Tighten the locknuts.
  8. Tighten the idler shaft bolts. Torque to 35 ft. lbs. (47.5 Nm).

Suspension Coupling

For most riding conditions, the alignment tab should be positioned at the open hole, about half way between the plus (+) and minus (-) marks.
  1. If more ski pressure is preferred (for riding in hilly terrain on hard surfaces with a high vehicle load), turn the adjuster knob clockwise. Ski pressure will increase as vehicle load increases.
    TIP
    For maximum comfort, set the suspension to bottom out occasionally.
  2. If less ski pressure is preferred, turn the adjuster knob counter-clockwise. Ski pressure will decrease as vehicle load increases.
  3. Turn the knob fully counter-clockwise (minimum setting) for riding in deep snow without a passenger and with a low vehicle load.
    TIP
    Do not exaggerate adjustments. A couple of turns on the adjuster knob will usually give the desired effect.

Rear Spring Settings

  1. To check for the recommended rear spring settings, lift the rear of the snowmobile, then slowly lower it. Measure the distance between the ground and the running board.
  2. Without letting the suspension settle, the rider should carefully mount the snowmobile. Measure the distance between the ground and the same spot on the running board.
  3. The difference between the two measurements should be approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm). If the difference is greater, adjust the rear spring equally on both sides and repeat steps 1-3.
  4. Compensate for heavy or light drivers or cargo loads by adjusting the rear spring eye bolt length. Adjust spring tension so there is equal tension on the long leg of each spring.
  • Tighten the bolt for more spring tension.
  • Loosen the bolt for less spring tension.
TIP
Rear spring settings affect ski-to-ground pressure. If ski pressure is too light, tighten the rear springs.

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