Required Tools and Supplies
- 10mm Socket
- 16mm Socket
- Ratchet
- Torque Wrench
- Tension Tool or 10-Pound Weight
- Measurement Tool
- Shop Rags
- Eye Protection
- 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. To inspect and adjust the track tension on your 2023-2024 Patriot 9R PRO RMK Slash or KHAOS Slash or your 2025 Patriot 9R PRO RMK or RMK KHAOS, follow these steps:
Track tension should be inspected and adjusted after every ride for the first 150 miles of use to ensure proper tension as the track stretches during break-in. After break-in, the tension should be inspected every 150 miles. Improper tension may result in damage to the suspension, track or driveshaft. Extreme vibration felt under hard acceleration or track loads indicates the tension should be inspected immediately, as continued use could result in permanent damage.
1. Before beginning, ensure the track has been warmed up.
2. Safely elevate the snowmobile. 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. Reference your Owner’s Manual for track specifications.
7. If the track requires adjustment, begin by loosening the rear idler shaft bolt with a 16mm socket, but do not remove.
8. Loosen the adjuster locknuts on both sides of the track with a 16mm socket.
9. Tighten or loosen the track adjusting screws on both sides of the track to provide equal adjustment of the track tension with a 10mm socket.
10. After adjusting, tighten the locknuts until fully seated.
11. Torque the idler shaft fastener to 33 ft-lbs (45 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 nut on the side that the track is leaning towards and tighten the adjusting screw 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. Once complete, ensure all fasteners are tight and 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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