How to Remove Snowmobile Tracks

Removing the snowmobile track requires removal of the rear suspension, chain case, secondary clutch and drive shaft. It should be performed by mechanically skilled individuals and usually requires an assistant. No special tools are required and it can be done in your driveway.

Things You'll Need

  • Standard and metric socket set
  • End wrenches or adjustable wrench
  • Jack or jack stand
  • Thick blanket or padding
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Instructions

  1. Remove the Rear Suspension

    • 1

      Use a jack stand under the rear bumper to relieve snowmobile frame weight from the suspension mounting bolts. The suspension should fully extend, but the track and skid frame should rest on the ground. Locate the two rear suspension mounting bolts. Attach a wrench to each bolt to prevent the inner shaft from spinning. Remove the bolts.

    • 2

      Adjust the jack stand if necessary to remove any load from the front skid frame mounting bolts. Remove the front bolts as in Step 1. If the bolts are difficult to turn after two turns, adjust the jack stand height to reduce load on the bolts.

    • 3

      Roll the snowmobile on one side. Use a generous amount of padding on the ground to prevent body and paint damage. Alternately, an assistant can lift and hold the rear end by hand while you remove the suspension. With the suspension disconnected, the rear bumper should require little effort to lift.

    • 4

      Pull the track back toward the rear end to make room at the rear axle. Slide the suspension forward so the rail tips overlap the track drivers. Lift the suspension out of the track starting from the rear axle. The track and skid frame positions may need adjustment during this process to prevent the track binding on the rear wheels. When the suspension is clear of the body, lower the rear bumper back onto the jack stand.

    Remove the Drive Axle

    • 5

      Drain the chain case oil and open the chain case. Loosen the chain tensioner all the way. Remove the two gear retention bolts, then slide off the chain, gears and bearings. Locate the chain case mounting bolts and remove the chain case.

    • 6

      Push open the secondary clutch sliding sheave to loosen the drive belt. Push the belt down into the opening to hold the sheaves open, then remove the belt. Remove the secondary clutch mounting bolt and slide the secondary clutch off the jack shaft. Use the socket wrench to remove the speedometer drive and bearing flanges, located below the jack shaft.

    • 7

      Push the track away from the drive shaft to make room for removal. Pull the drive shaft toward the clutch side of the machine until the shaft falls out of the other side. Push the shaft back toward the center and remove the driver and track. Raise the rear bumper if necessary and pull the track out of the tunnel.