33
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.” Yamaha recommends that the
track tension be checked daily during the
first 500 km (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 the mid-point of the track (on the
bottom side), hook a spring scale
around a track clip; then pull down
on the scale to 9 kg (20 lb). Measure
the deflection (distance) between the
bottom of the wear strip and the
inside surface of the track clip. Mea-
surement should be 50 mm (2.0 in.).
746-788A
NOTE: Measurement is from the
bottom of the wear strip at the
point of the shock pad on the slide
rail.
NOTE: Only tighten track until the
track does not ratchet. Too tight of
a track will cause the rear suspen-
sion to not work properly.
Adjusting Track Tension
NOTE: To ensure proper track
tension adjustment, perform all
adjustments on both sides of the
snowmobile.
1. Loosen the idler wheel axle cap
screws.
0745-811
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 clip is less than specified,
loosen the adjusting bolts to increase
the slack in the track.
WARNING
Track tension must be properly
maintained. Personal injury could
result if a track is allowed to
become excessively loose.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to check or adjust
track tension with engine running.
Turn ignition key to the OFF posi-
tion. Personal injury could result
from contact with a rotating track.
CAUTION
Always maintain track tension
within recommended specification.
Deflection
Tension
Track Adjuster
Adjusting Bolt
Axle Cap Screw
Rear Idler Wheels
U8JRS2E0.book Page 33 Thursday, May 7, 2015 2:25 PM
