XM Track Tension, Does this look correct?

4

4rest

Free Member

Dec 24, 2012

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• Feb 22, 2013

• #1

Took my sled in for it's post break in maintenance. The track had been ratcheting under really heavy snow conditions. I informed the dealer. My invoice on the maintenance listed track adjustment. Next time out track only ratcheted once during a steep hill climb with lots of throttle. Left me suspecting that the track might still be too loose, but I haven't done anything about it just yet.

Was just adjusting my clutch belt and doing some random cleaning, getting ready for the weekend, and noticed my track seems pretty saggy. Just wondering what you guys think. Also, what do you guys think of the wear on the sides of the track, that seem normal?

 

C

cadams

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Jan 28, 2009

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ND

• Feb 22, 2013

• #2

4rest said:

Took my sled in for it's post break in maintenance. The track had been ratcheting under really heavy snow conditions. I informed the dealer. My invoice on the maintenance listed track adjustment. Next time out track only ratcheted once during a steep hill climb with lots of throttle. Left me suspecting that the track might still be too loose, but I haven't done anything about it just yet.

Was just adjusting my clutch belt and doing some random cleaning, getting ready for the weekend, and noticed my track seems pretty saggy. Just wondering what you guys think. Also, what do you guys think of the wear on the sides of the track, that seem normal?

Click to expand...

Need about an inch of play. Could use a slight tighten

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2

 

eyefish123

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Apr 6, 2010

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Northern Idaho

• Feb 22, 2013

• #3

I set the top of the nubs even with the bottom of the rails right below the rubber block and have no problem.

 

4

4rest

Free Member

Dec 24, 2012

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• Feb 22, 2013

• #4

I went ahead and adjusted it according to the manual. I placed 16 lbs. of weight on the center of the inside of the track (used a 15 lb. barbell and a 1 lb weight), with the machine suspended in the air, and adjusted till I got 1 3/8" sag at the lowest point. This approach sound reasonable?

I also checked my alignment which was slightly off. Next on the todo list, call service dept. and get some cash back for what I was charged to do this in the first place.

 

S

skidoorulz

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Nov 21, 2007

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Billings Montana

• Feb 22, 2013

• #5

obviously if it ratchets it is to loose. Bring it up a little tighter and ride it if it doesn't do it any more you are fine. As far as the cords that is normal, if the rubber starts getting tore up the track isn't running true.

 

W

Wapow

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Dec 4, 2007

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• Feb 22, 2013

• #6

4rest said:

I went ahead and adjusted it according to the manual. I placed 16 lbs. of weight on the center of the inside of the track (used a 15 lb. barbell and a 1 lb weight), with the machine suspended in the air, and adjusted till I got 1 3/8" sag at the lowest point. This approach sound reasonable?

I also checked my alignment which was slightly off. Next on the todo list, call service dept. and get some cash back for what I was charged to do this in the first place.

Click to expand...

The 16# is supposed to be the amount of force that it takes to move the spring in the deflection tool, not 16# sitting in the middle of your track. Take the weight out and lift the rear off the ground. There should be about an inch of sag at the rear bump stop. Adjust accordingly.

 

F

Flatlander78

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• Feb 22, 2013

• #7

The 16 lb wt should work, you could also use a digital scale and pull down on the track.

 

9

907to406

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Apr 25, 2008

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• Feb 22, 2013

• #8

Since when has track adjustment become so complicated...Why would they charge you to tension a track? It takes all of 5 minutes and a wrench...Could be done in the parking lot, trail or backcountry. Adjust til it doesn't ratchet anymore, real simple.

 

Last edited: Feb 22, 2013

F

Flatlander78

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• Feb 22, 2013

• #9

Some people have reported lower track speeds with a loose track and the highest track speed when adjusted to doo specs.

 

winter brew

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• Feb 22, 2013

• #10

Definately too loose in the picture, half that sag is Ok.

 

4

4rest

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Dec 24, 2012

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• Feb 22, 2013

• #11

Well, I'm just poking a bit of fun at the service dept of the dealer with my comment about getting money back. Took me 5 minutes to fix it, you're right.

This is my first sled, so I'm just learning as I go along. Thanks everyone for the comments, I really appreciate the newbie support! Gonna be a sick weekend here in the NW!

 

R

raiderider

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Jan 6, 2012

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• Feb 24, 2013

• #12

the monkeys in the back only making min wage. wouldnt trust them with anything. they want $265 for the post 10 hour check. tighten a few bolts, grease the skid, check oil . ya do it your self

 

4

4rest

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Dec 24, 2012

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• Feb 25, 2013

• #13

Just for anyone reading this thread in the future, my adjustments using the 16 lb. weight, mentioned above, worked perfectly. Ratcheting is no longer an issue.