Motor sports enthusiasts know well, maintaining your snowmobile is the key to fully enjoying the season! A well-maintained vehicle offers maximum performance, but also safety and durability. Browse our complete guide to prepare your snowmobile for winter, and then for storage.
Early Season Snowmobile Maintenance
Inspection of Slides and Wheels
First, take a look at the slides, the Teflon bands that protect the suspension. If the lateral wear line is no longer visible, it’s time to replace them.
As for the wheels, spin them to ensure they are well-rounded. A flattened part can cause unpleasant turbulence. Also check for any delamination and that the seals are tight.
Need to replace a belt?
- Remove the protective guards;
- Spread the faces of the secondary pulley with an expansion tool;
- Remove the old belt by first passing it through the secondary pulley;
- Install the new belt starting with the primary pulley, respecting the direction of rotation;
- Remove the tool and replace the guards.
Checking the Rear and Front Suspension
To test the suspension, lower it and check if it rises on its own. If not, this could be a sign of a defective shock or spring, or lack of lubrication.
During your inspection, be attentive to visual signs of wear, but also to abnormal sounds or excessive movements, which indicate a failure in the suspension or shock absorber.
At the rear, examine the light wheels for any notches or deformations. At the front, ensure the stabilizer bar is well fixed and that the steering rods are straight.
Track Condition Check: Wear and Tension
When maintaining a snowmobile, attention must certainly be paid to the track. First, detect any hooks, tears, perforations, and missing profiles.
Then, check the tension: lift the back of your snowmobile and measure the track’s deflection with a tension gauge, according to the specifications in your owner’s manual. Recommendations may vary between brands, for example, between a Yamaha or Arctic Cat snowmobile, but also according to the model’s purpose (trail or mountain). If the track shows too much flexion, you will need to tighten it. Also, ensure that all staples are present.
Finally, verify that the alignment is uniform on both sides to avoid premature wear.
Engine, Clutch, and Belt Inspection
- Remove the belt and detect any separation, fraying, glazing, or excessive wear.
- Ensure there are no fluid or oil leaks; pay attention to the shock absorbers.
- Check all your fluid levels: injection oil, crankcase oil, antifreeze, etc.
- Check the condition of the exhaust system springs and the pulley as well as the condition of the brake pads.
If your engine shows several signs of wear and you are considering buying a new model, discover the best new snowmobiles or our used snowmobiles in perfect condition.
Ski and Runner Inspection
For optimal ski gliding, their surface should be perfectly smooth. The skis should also be slightly farther apart at the front than at the rear. As for the runners, you will need to replace them if they are bent, twisted, or if part of them is missing.
Handlebar and Controls Check: Fluidity and Safety Test
The handlebar plays a critical role on the trail, allowing you to keep control. Before your first outing, ensure it turns smoothly from left to right. The throttle and brake levers should also move freely and return to place when you release them.
Snowmobile maintenance is also the right time to ensure that the emergency stop switch works. Check twice rather than once!
Lubrication of Critical Points: Suspension and Bridge
The greasing points can vary depending on the model and brand; consult your manual if needed. Make sure to grease all joints with a lubricant suitable for low temperatures to ensure optimal sliding performance.
Post-Season Maintenance Advice
Draining Fluids and Greasing Components
When the snow finally starts to melt, it’s time to change the oil to remove all impurities before storage. Don’t forget to grease all important points; this will help expel moisture in the joints and prevent rust from setting in during your snowmobile’s off-season storage.
Dry Storage and Moisture Protection
Ideally, store it in an air-conditioned garage. If not possible, find a cool, dry place. It’s important to protect it from the sun, which could damage the materials, and from moisture, which promotes rust formation.
Final Inspection Before Storage (Belt, Battery, etc.)
Before saying goodbye for the summer, perform one final thorough inspection. Check the battery charge as well as the belts and other components. This will allow you to identify if any parts need to be changed and save time next winter!
Preventing Corrosion and Damage During the Off-Season
A deep cleaning is required during your snowmobile maintenance. Use water, a quality soap, and a soft sponge to remove all the mud and salt accumulated during the season. You can also apply a protective layer.
Maintenance of 2-Stroke vs 4-Stroke Snowmobiles
The maintenance of a 2-stroke snowmobile differs from that of a 4-stroke engine, as the former requires injection oil. Check the level in the tank and add as needed during your snowmobile maintenance. Although the 2-stroke engine is becoming less common, it is still found in various models, notably among Polaris snowmobiles.
As for the maintenance of a 4-stroke snowmobile, you do not need injection oil; however, this engine has more parts and its maintenance can be a bit more complex.
Not comfortable with snowmobile maintenance or want to save time? Entrust this task to our experts in the Quebec City region! The SM Sport team is here to help and offers top-quality services.
