Polaris sled chaincase noise: chain tension and oil
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Applies to: Polaris RMK, Switchback, IQ and AXYS sleds
Symptoms
- Clunk or slap when you hit the throttle or brake
- Rattle from the chaincase side
- Dark, metallic chaincase oil
Why it happens
The drive chain stretches and the tensioner loses adjustment, so the chain slaps. Old chaincase oil speeds up wear.
How to fix it
- Check chain deflection at the driveshaft per the manual.
- Adjust the chain tensioner to spec.
- Drain and refill the chaincase oil.
- Inspect the chain and sprockets; replace if stretched or worn.
Tools and parts
- Chaincase oil
- Wrenches
- Chain and sprockets if worn
What the factory service manual covers
Final drive: chain tension spec, chaincase oil capacity, sprocket inspection. The full procedure, specs and wiring diagrams are in the factory service manual for your machine.