51
Track Tension
Track tension is directly related to the
overall performance of the snowmobile.
If the track is too loose, it may slap
against the tunnel causing wear or it may
“ratchet” on the track drive sprockets. If
extremely loose, the idler wheels may
climb over the track lugs forcing the
track against the tunnel causing the track
to “lock.”
Arctic Cat recommends that the track
tension be checked daily during the first
300 miles of operation and once a week
thereafter and adjusted according to need.
The track will stretch and take a “set”
during break-in. Track deflection must be
maintained within the recommended
range.
Checking Track Tension
1. Remove excess ice and snow buildup
from the track, track drive sprockets,
and the inside of the skid frame.
2. Elevate the snowmobile on a
shielded safety stand high enough to
use a spring scale.
3. At mid-point of the track (on the bottom
side), hook a spring scale around a track
clip; then pull down on the scale to 20
ft-lb. Measure the deflection (distance)
between the bottom of the wear strip
and the inside surface of the track clip.
Measurement should be 51 mm (2 in.).
0743-188
Adjusting Track Tension
NOTE: To ensure proper track ten-
sion adjustment, perform all adjust-
ments on both sides of the
snowmobile.
1. Loosen the rear idler wheel adjust-
ing bolt jam nuts.
2. If the deflection (distance between
the bottom of the wear strip and the
inside surface of the track clip)
exceeds specifications, tighten the
adjusting bolts to take up excessive
slack in the track.
3. If the distance between the bottom of
the wear strip and the inside surface
of the track is less than specified,
loosen the adjusting bolts to increase
the slack in the track.
4. Check track alignment (see Track
Alignment sub-section in this section).
5. After proper track tension is
obtained, tighten the adjusting bolt
jam nuts against the axle housings;
then tighten the rear axle cap screws
to 20 ft-lb.
NOTE: Since track tension and
track alignment are interrelated,
always check both even if only one
adjustment seems necessary.
! WARNING
Track tension must be properly main-
tained. Personal injury could result if
a track is allowed to become exces-
sively loose.
! WARNING
DO NOT attempt to check or adjust
track tension with engine running.
Turn ignition key to the OFF position.
Personal injury could result from con-
tact with a rotating track.
! WARNING
If jam nuts are not tightened properly,
the adjusting bolts could loosen
causing the track to become
extremely loose and, under some
operating conditions, allow the idler
wheels to climb over the track lugs
forcing the track against the tunnel
causing the track to “lock.” If a track
“locks” during operation, severe per-
sonal injury could result.
