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The air shocks are individually adjustable
for the terrain conditions and driving style
of the operator. The shocks are preset at
the factory (see chart) as an initial setting;
however, it is possible to “fine tune” the
shocks to match the operator’s weight,
riding style, and terrain conditions.
Checking and adjusting air pressure must
be done at riding temperature (outside).
Also, it is advisable to check air pressure
when the outside temperature varies
more than 25°.
NOTE: Care should be taken to
have equal pressure in the front (ski)
shocks before operating the snow-
mobile.
To increase or decrease air pressure, use
the following procedure.
NOTE: When adjusting air pres-
sure, all weight must be removed
from the suspension, and the shock
absorbers must be fully extended.
NOTE: Adding air pressure will
increase the air spring force; reduc-
ing air pressure will decrease air
spring force.
1. Remove the air valve cap from the
shock.
2. Thread the valve of Shock Absorber
Air Pump (p/n 2603-614) onto the
shock air valve approximately six
rotations.
NOTE: As the pump is being attached
to the shock, the hose will fill with air.
This will result in a lower gauge pres-
sure 0.14-3.52 kg/cm
2
(2-5 psi).
3. To decrease air pressure in the
shock, press the black bleed valve
button half way down and hold until
desired pressure is attained.
NOTE: Pressing the button fully
down and releasing it will allow only
a small amount of air to escape
(micro-adjust).
4. To increase air pressure in the shock,
pump until desired pressure is
attained.
5. Remove the pump valve from the
shock air valve.
NOTE: As the pump valve is being
removed from the shock, the sound
of air loss is from the pump hose,
not from the shock.
6. Install the air valve cap onto the
shock.
Adjusting Skid Frame
Front Arm
The skid frame front arm shock spring
tension and the limiter straps are adjust-
able. However, Arctic Cat recommends
that the shock spring be maintained at the
factory preset of 1/8-1/4 in. preload.
Tightening the skid frame front arm
shock spring may cause improper bal-
ance and may ruin the handling features
of the snowmobile.
The length adjustment of the front arm
limiter straps determines the weight dis-
tribution between the front of the skid
frame and the skis. Tightening the limiter
strap (shortening the strap) will pull up
on the front of the skid frame and will
increase ski pressure. Loosening the lim-
iter strap (lengthening the strap) lowers
the front of the skid frame and decreases
ski pressure.
When customizing the amount of ski
pressure, be sure to adjust both straps
equally and do not over-adjust the limiter
straps to adversely affect steering and
operator control of the snowmobile.
Some experimentation may be required
until the proper adjustment for the opera-
tor’s individual style is obtained.
NOTE: If the limiter straps are
adjusted, it is highly recommended that
at least a minimum of 1/8 in. preload on
the shock spring be maintained.
Initial Setting Chart
Model
Front Shock
(Ski)
Rear Arm
Shock
Sno Pro
Models
4.2 kg/cm
2
(60 psi)
9.5-10.2 kg/cm
2
(135-145 psi)
! WARNING
Do not exceed 10.5 kg/cm
2
(150 psi)
in the shock.