Troubleshooting Snowmobile Suspension Setup Problems

Having problems with a snowmobile’s handling? Interestingly, many front-end maladies are due to set-up mistakes in the rear end. A sled’s unbalanced ride height setting can be the source of many problems. Note that the similarities of the problems described below are in many ways all linked to the ride height setting.

Problem: Body rolls or dives in corners

Possible solution: Try adding preload to the front springs. If your snowmobile comes with a progressive wound coil spring, there might not be enough initial rate available without affecting ride quality at the mid and bottom of the stroke. Installing a single-rate spring or a more-effective dual-rate setup with adjustable ride height and rate is an effective solution.

Problem: Sled tips up in corners, lifting the inside ski

Possible solution: Lower the front ride height to reduce the vehicle’s roll center. A sled with a lower center of gravity will typically outperform a vehicle that sits up high. Most roll or ski tip situations are generally related to excessive spring preload that was added to increase bottoming resistance.

Problem: Heavy steering

Possible solution: Heavy steering can be tricky to solve, and adjustments in the rear suspension often affect the cause. If you are experiencing this on a sled with stock skis and carbides, check the rear torsion spring setting, center shock spring preload, and possibly reduce the amount of coupling action. Make sure center shock spring preload is 5 to 10 mm. Typically, more preload to the center spring causes track spin, rear kick-up and a harsh ride. Remember, when you create load in the rear, the load is transferred to the front. In some cases more torsion spring preload will reduce load to the skis by holding the rider higher in the travel and away from the coupler stops.

Problem: Skis come of the ground when trying to accelerate out of a corner

Possible solution: Make sure that your ride height is set correctly and you have good front to rear balance. In many cases we have found that increasing the rate of coupling, which reduces weight transfer, will transmit more load to the skis.

Problem: Rear end raises up easily and then drops with little effort

Possible solution: One of the most common causes of excessive rear sag is a geometry-related issue such as the front torque arm limit strap is pulled in or the vehicle isn’t resting on a flat surface. It’s rare for a snowmobile to sag from weak torsion springs. One of the most common misunderstandings is the shock has failed, causing excessive sag. The reality is that a shock with a fresh charge may help a little bit, but it’s insignificant. Instead, check ride-height settings.

One thought on “Troubleshooting Snowmobile Suspension Setup Problems

  • Avatar for Brian Coupland

    Have 2014 polaris 600 adventure having trouble dialing in suspension lot of ski lift at 25 mph not right any tips

    Reply

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