Track tightness

[mikeinchicago]

Hey guys, I just studded my track and put
New hifax on. 96 up middle, I took for first ride
Out for an hour or so kinda was smelling
Rubber, stopped on trail an my track actualy was melted to hifax... Now I need new hifax again, is belt way to tight? What is best way to judge tightness of track?

 

[dhkr123]

Track tension is unlikely to be responsible. Poor materials and insufficient lubrication are more likely.

Use only BLACK GRAPHITE sliders.

 

[mikeinchicago]

Dhkr, let me ask u this , with the new hifax n new studs there is no need to loosen track up a bit? And by no lubrication you mean sno ?

 

[dhkr123]

The track should be quite tight, kinda like a banjo string. Check your owner's manual for exact specifications.

Lubrication = snow, ice, slush, etc. Anything that keeps the sliders cold, and preferably creates a space between the track clips and sliders.

 

[mikeinchicago]

Thanks

 

[stomper]

The manual for my 03 says, with 22 pounds on the track mid way down the rails, there should be about 1" space between the track and the sliders. It gives the exact min/max tolerances but 1" is the mid point. Thats what I use. I just bought a fish weigh scale, tip the machine on its side, hook it around one of the track clips and pull to 22 pounds and adjust from there. I do this for both sides until they are even. This seems to be typical for most sleds. Hope this helps.

 

[yox185]

If you run your track to Yami specs you will toast your hyfax. If you are trail riding with a 1 1/4" track your track needs to be loose. I let it hang about 1 to 1 1/2" in the center without pulling on it. If it ratchets I tighten up a hair. Every time I have ever attempted to run by Yami specs it smells like a crayon fire under my butt and the hyfax are gone.

 

[oldsledhead]

If you run your track to Yami specs you will toast your hyfax. If you are trail riding with a 1 1/4" track your track needs to be loose. I let it hang about 1 to 1 1/2" in the center without pulling on it. If it ratchets I tighten up a hair. Every time I have ever attempted to run by Yami specs it smells like a crayon fire under my butt and the hyfax are gone.

x2

 

[stomper]

Good to know. This is my first year with my 03 rx1 and now that you mention it about the smell, I have noticed it too. I did install new sliders this year and they are wearing some. I just thought it was because of the little snow we have and the 2" track that is in the sled along with some possible set up issues. Once I get the skid back in I will keep an eye on it.

 

[jd0270]

I have a 1-3/4" track and the current sliders have been on for about 3000km, and they will probably be on for another 3000km. I have extrovert drivers and run my track fairly loose.

 

[YammyRX1]

I wouldn't tip the machine on its side to tighten the track because the weight of the track is part of the equation (22lbs + weight of track). Regardless, I tightened mine to spec and then had it at the dealer for service and they said to loosen it up a bit so factory specs are probably a little too tight.

 

[stomper]

Now tell me if this makes sence. The sliders on my sled were new before I stared riding this year. The sliders are in good shape the whole length except for where the the two wheels (on each rail) are, just as the rails start to flatten. It does'nt make sence to me. I would think that because there are wheels there, that would be the last place it would wear. I have read lots about installing the 135mm wheels and I am going to do it. Should clear up the problem especialy because it is the wheel area that the problem is in.
Sorry if I hyjacked your thread ,mikeinchicago, I just thought the answer might help your problem also

 

[Sasquatch]

I've always run my tracks on the loose side. Factory specs will burn the sliders off in one run!

 

[Honk]

There is a way to move the front wheels forward a bit. Look in the tech section, I saw way less friction after doing this mod. It is pretty easy to do also. I have an 03 to, mine always needed to be looser that what the book called for. Run it till it ratchets, then tighten one turn more, good to go.

 

[stomper]

cool, thats why I love forums like this lots of good info and it is learned (I think thats a word) through real world experience