| Required Tools and Supplies | ||
| 10mm and 15mm Sockets | 15mm and 16mm Wrenches | Ratchet |
| Breaker Bar | Torque Wrench | Tension Tool or 10-Pound Weight |
| Measurement Tool | Shop Rags | Safety Glasses & Nitrile Gloves |
To learn more about tools, read the Tools and Fasteners Guide.
Always wear safety glasses and nitrile gloves when servicing your Polaris snowmobile. Track tension is important to the overall performance of the snowmobile. A new track will stretch after break-in and will require adjustment. From then on, the track should be inspected before every ride to ensure the sled is reaching its full potential. Failure to do so may lead to ratcheting, hesitation and excessive wear to the rear suspension and track.
To inspect and adjust the track tension on your Polaris INDY VR1 with a 650 engine, follow these steps.
1. Before beginning, ensure the track has been warmed up.
2. Safely elevate the vehicle. Refer to your Owner’s Manual for proper lifting techniques.
3. Rotate the track by hand to check for damage. Carefully examine the track along the entire length of each rod. Bend the track to ensure there is no breakage.
4. If inspection reveals any concerns, see your authorized Polaris Service Center.
5. Measure 16 inches ahead of the rear idler shaft on the track.
6. Apply 10 pounds of weight on the track and measure the slack between the track and the rails. The slack should be between 7/8 and 1-1/8 inches (2.2 to 2.6 cm).
7. If the track requires adjustment, start by loosening the rear idler shaft bolts with a 15mm socket or wrench, but do not remove the bolt.
8. Loosen the adjuster locknuts with a 16mm wrench on both sides of the track.
9. Tighten or loosen the track adjusting screws on both sides of the track with a 10mm socket to provide equal adjustment of the track tension.
10. After adjusting, tighten the locknuts until fully seated.
11. Torque the idler shaft fastener to 35 ft-lbs (47 Nm).
12. Start the engine and apply a small amount of throttle until the track turns slowly at least five complete revolutions. Stop the engine and allow the track to come to a complete stop without applying the brakes.
13. Inspect the track alignment through the track windows in the rear to ensure the rails are evenly spaced on each side.
14. If the track is offset to either side, loosen the adjustment nuts and tighten the affected side as needed to gain alignment.
15. Start the engine again and apply a small amount of throttle until the track turns slowly for at least five revolutions. Stop the engine and allow the track to come to a complete stop without applying the brakes.
16. Reinspect the track alignment and repeat this procedure as needed.
17. Safely lower the sled to the ground.
For more information, see your authorized Polaris Dealer. To find a dealer near you, use the Dealer Locator.
Maintenance tips, procedures and specifications can be found in your Owner’s Manual.
To find diagrams and replacement part numbers, use the online parts catalog.
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