How to Install a Snowmobile Track

Snowmobile tracks are the vital parts of your snowmobile that come into contact with the snow and provide the traction to pull you along the snow. Tracks can fail in a number of ways, from getting tears in the high-grade rubber from a collision or typical wear and tear from a couple of seasons of hard riding. Whatever the reason, you can change your worn track in usually no more than two hours' time. Learn about the process of swapping out your existing track with a fresh one and you'll be on your way to improved performance and grip.

Things You'll Need

  • Snowmobile jack stand
  • Socket wrench
  • Phillips-head screwdriver
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Instructions

    • 1

      Drive the snowmobile to a warm, flat area where you'll be comfortable working for a few hours. The warmth will make working with the metal easier, but as long as the temperature is above freezing, it should make for a doable location. Remove the suspension according to the direction's in your owner's manual; raise the snowmobile onto a jack so you can access all angles of the track.

    • 2

      Drain the oil from the machine to make it easier to work with. Drain the chaincase plug if your snowmobile has one, or simply remove the oil cover and drain the oil. Catch the oil in a cutoff two-liter soda bottle or other receptacle.

    • 3

      Lock the brakes on the snowmobile and remove the screws that hold the gears on; remove the gears and the chain as well. Unscrew the nuts or the screws that hold the bearing cup and the O-ring on. Remove both these items, as well as the nuts that hold the speed sensor on (these nuts should be located on the side of the snowmobile with the clutch).

    • 4

      Hold the driveshaft in place and remove it by wiggling it out. The driveshaft is beneath the snowmobile and can be removed on the clutch side. When the driveshaft is off, the track is ready to be removed.

    • 5

      Pull out the old track. Cut it out with a sharp knife if it's in bad shape. Place the new track in the same location as the old one. Inspect the track for defects before installing it. Place the driveshaft inside the track to begin to reinstall the snowmobile. Put the driveshaft in place, which may be tricky given the weight of the track. Snowmobile tracks are directional, and the arrow on the track must face the direction of rotation. Use industrial-level adhesive to hold the track in place, as excessive vibration can result in loose bolts.

    • 6

      Reassemble the parts of the snowmobile in the reverse order that you removed them. Make sure that the gears are tight and that there's no excessive vibration through the snowmobile that might indicate a loose bolt or screw.