Track tension: '95 Formula Z

[slideways]

When I loaded my '95 Formula Z on the trailer last Friday I noticed the center idler wheel on the back shaft had no bearing left in it. Doesn't look to be too hard to change. Loosen track, remove outside bolts, replace junk parts with new, bolt back together and reset tension......... whoa!!!!!

What is the best way to set the tension on a track? I read in the manual about using a spring-type scale and measuring the scale at a certain distance....blah, blah, blah! Is there an easier way? I have some mechanical knowledge, but I am just starting to work on sleds. Advice welcome!

SLIDEWAYS

[2doo]

Assuming you know about the alignment, I run my tracks a bit on the loose side, tight enough that it doesnt ratchet(when the drivers dont slip inside the track under hard acceleration) Running too tight is hard on hyfax, bearings, etc. not to mention slowing you down.

[braindead1684]

Start sled with track in air.

After the axle is in you want to tighten the track until you have about 1 inch of sag on the track towards the middle of the skid. start sled and Rev till track spins around 3-4 times then let it stop (don't hit brake unless its hitting the highfax or something). measure the space between cogs and highfax, adjust one bolt to move it one way or the other, i believe you tighten the side you want it to move towards. I go 1/4 turns at a time, and keep track so you can adjust it back if its too much. Once its straight you just have to get it to about 1-1.25" sag w/ 20lbs of pressure on the middle near the highfax some like more but you can mess with that part. To adjust simply adjust both nuts the same amount of turns and you will keep the axle straight.

Since you still have your axle in and i assume the tension is alright you can measure it before you remove the axle and feel about how much pressure it take to get it down so far.

Good luck, trust me it sounds a lot more complicated then it really is.

Since

[slideways]

I know about the alignment, but thanks for the refresher!

The 1-1 1/4 inch at 20 lbs. was the key I guess I was looking for. You're right it is still altogether so I will be checking on it before disassembly begins. Everything else (hyfax & idlers) looks to be ok so I will get it as close to where it is now as I can.

It's good to know that some people vary the track tension. That tells me that I have a range that I will be ok in. I should be able to take care of this. If not you'll be hearing from me soon. Thanks for the advice

SLIDEWAYS