Links
Links
A broken snowmobile track can cost $1,000 just for parts. The situation worsens when you're stuck in freezing temperatures miles from safety.
Most snowmobile owners wait until their track completely fails before they think about replacing it. This puts their safety at risk and repairs get pricier over time. Regular track inspections help you spot problems early - before they turn dangerous or expensive.
You need to know how to check tracks properly. This applies when you're buying used snowmobile tracks or checking track alignment after installation. A full inspection is vital to keep you safe. We'll show you each step of checking your track, from the tools you'll need to making the right decisions.
Want to check your snowmobile track like a pro? Let's take a closer look!
A proper track inspection requires the right tools and equipment. Here's a breakdown of everything you need to get a full picture.
The simple yet important tools needed for any track inspection include:
- Floor jack for elevation
- Inspection gauge
- Appropriate lubricants and oil
- High-powered flashlight
- Track tension measurement tool
Standard drill bits can damage the track structure, so a proper track cutting tool works best for specialized work.
Safety becomes our main concern while working with snowmobile tracks. You should wear:
- Protective gloves for handling sharp edges
- Safety glasses for debris protection
- Sturdy work boots
- Well-ventilated workspace lighting
Quality measurement tools determine the inspection's precision. A professional track gage needs these specifications:
- Maximum stud height measurements (3/8" for oval/snow cross, ¾" for drags)
- Wear bar height capacity of 5/8"
- Carbide length measurement up to 10"
- Minimum 60° angle verification for carbide runners
The track alignment gage stands out as one of our most valuable tools. It enables hands-free adjustment and ensures accurate alignment measurements. This accuracy becomes especially important during track tension checks. Wrong tension leads to systemic problems - a loose track causes track stab, while excessive tightness wears out suspension components prematurely.
The ISAT Gauge helps us achieve maximum accuracy in our inspections. It delivers consistent and repeatable measurements throughout track alignment procedures. This tool proves invaluable in ensuring precise adjustments during inspection and installation.
Let's take a closer look at the visual inspection process that helps prevent track failures from getting pricey and keeps your riding safe. Our experience shows a step-by-step track inspection will help you spot problems early.
The inspection starts with common wear indicators. Worn tracks create safety and performance problems. Watch for dry rotting that shows up as tiny cracks in the material, and worn lugs that affect your acceleration and braking by a lot.
These critical damage indicators need your attention:
- Missing or torn lugs - your track needs immediate replacement
- Tears across the whole width of the rubber track - fix this right away
- Exposed track cords or frayed areas
- Blue-tinted track clips or buildup on the clips
Riding with a damaged track makes track failure more likely, which could make you lose control. Damage often happens when you ride at high speeds for too long or in conditions without enough snow coverage.
A detailed inspection log for your snowmobile track will help. Here's our tested documentation process:
- Mark wear lines with a sharpie marker to compare over time
- Take clear photos of any concerning areas
- Record the date and conditions when damage appears
- Track how wear patterns progress
Note that regular track inspections are vital—minor issues can quickly become major problems. If you have any doubts about its condition, your track needs replacement. This forward-thinking approach prevents unexpected failures and gives you the best performance during rides.
Let's move on to your snowmobile track's mechanical assessment now that we've finished the visual inspection. This step will help us determine if your track needs immediate attention or replacement.
The right track tension is vital for optimal performance and safety. Your track needs to warm up before we start testing. Here's how we test it:
- Measure exactly 16 inches ahead of the rear idler shaft
- Apply 10 pounds of pressure to the track
- Measure the slack between track and rails
- Check both sides for equal tension
Your track should have 1-1½ inches of slack, though this may vary by model.
Your snowmobile's track windows at the rear provide the best view to verify alignment. We look for these key points during our check:
- Even spacing between rails on both sides
- Consistent track movement during rotation
- No signs of rubbing against the tunnel
We make precise adjustments with the nuts and screws until we achieve perfect alignment if we spot any offset.
We focus on key components that affect your track's performance during our drive system inspection. The wheel bearings should roll freely and need proper lubrication based on manufacturer specifications.
New tracks stretch during their break-in period, so we suggest checking track tension after each ride for the first 150 miles. Regular inspections every 300 to 500 miles should be enough after this initial phase.
Note that severe vibration under hard acceleration means your track tension needs immediate checking. Your track could suffer permanent damage if you continue riding.
The right decision about track replacement helps you avoid getting pricey breakdowns and unsafe riding conditions. Let's get into what really matters when making this significant decision.
Track evaluation needs you to watch for several warning signs. These signs mean you need to replace your track right away:
- Dry-rotted rubber with fine cracks that are growing wider
- Multiple missing lugs that weaken track integrity
- Tears that span the track's width
- Exposed cords or significant structural damage
- Missing or damaged track clips
The long-term impact matters a lot when you think about replacement. Your track can last much longer with regular maintenance. This includes track tension adjustments and arrangement checks every 300 to 500 miles. But some conditions make tracks wear out faster:
- Riding in warmer weather or low snow conditions
- High-speed operation over extended periods
- Operating with minimal cooling and lubrication
- Running on hard surfaces or bare ice
These strategic steps will help you time your replacement perfectly:
- Original Break-in Check: Inspect after the first 50 miles of riding with a new track
- Regular Inspections: Do thorough checks every 300-500 miles
- Seasonal Assessment: Always inspect at the beginning of each season
- Condition-Based Timing: Replace immediately if you notice tears across the track width
Note that a catastrophic track failure can make you lose control and brake function completely. A damaged track often harms other parts too, including heat exchangers. This leads to expensive repair bills. Small problems might seem manageable now, but they can quickly turn into major safety risks that ruin your time on the trails.
Knowing how to inspect your snowmobile's track is a vital skill that protects both your safety and wallet. Regular checks with the right tools help spot problems before they turn into dangerous failures or costly repairs.
Successful track maintenance needs both visual inspections and precise mechanical assessments. Our step-by-step approach helps us get a full picture - from wear patterns to track tension. This lets us catch problems early and make smart decisions about replacements.
Safety stays our top priority during inspections. A track in good condition saves money and keeps you safe on the trails. Document your inspections, keep proper tension, and never ignore signs of serious wear or damage.
Quick action matters when track problems appear. Small issues can become major hazards fast, especially on long rides in tough conditions. Your trail safety and enjoyment depend on your track's condition - so give it the attention it needs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How frequently should a snowmobile track be replaced?
A snowmobile track typically lasts between 3,000 to 15,000 miles, or about 3 to 10 years, depending on factors such as riding style, terrain, whether the track is studded, how the snowmobile is stored, and how well it is maintained.
2. What are the steps to replace a snowmobile track?
To replace a snowmobile track, follow these steps:
- Remove the rear suspension.
- Clear any parts obstructing the chaincase cover.
- Take off the chaincase cover.
- Remove the chaincase tensioner and gears.
- Detach the secondary clutch and brake components.
- Extract the drive shaft and the old track.
- Check the suspension, drive, and brake components for any issues.
3. How can I tell if my snowmobile track needs replacing?
You should consider replacing your snowmobile track if you notice visible damage such as cracks, missing lugs, or tears. These are clear indicators of wear and tear that could affect performance.
4. What are the signs of a worn-out snowmobile track?
A bad snowmobile track can be identified by worn or broken lugs, which affect acceleration and braking, and dry rotting, which appears as tiny cracks in the material. These conditions are usually quite evident upon inspection.
References
