Shock Valving - Polaris 2003 Pro X Service Manual

REAR SUSPENSION/TRACK/TRACTION

Shock Valving

To check high speed rebound, drive over a series of fairly large moguls. Gradually increase the speed until you
reach 70% to 80% of maximum vehicle speed or the maximum safe speed for the vehicle over those bumps.
(The reason for limiting speed is that it is difficult to feel what the shocks are doing when you are driving at full
speed.)
Ideal high speed rebound is achieved when your suspension keeps returning fast enough to have full travel as
you hit the next bump. If the first bump feels good, but each bump after that gets worse until the machine starts
bouncing around, you need less high speed rebound damping in the shocks that are bouncing.
After you've determined your high speed rebound valving needs, drive over one large rounded bump to make sure
you have enough rebound control to keep the sled from kicking up after you hit the bump.
To check the high speed compression damping, you will need to find a hard, square edged bump. Again, try to
hit the bump at less than full speed so you can feel what each shock is doing. The ideal compression valving
prevents bottoming, but is not too harsh. When you hit the bump, if your suspension falls through and bottoms,
you need more damping. If the sled bounces when you first contact the bump, you need less damping.
Valving
After you have determined what adjustments are
needed you can revalve the shocks to work best for
you. Always remember to record where you start (and
what you change) on a shock valving data sheet.
Keep notes on conditions so you can reference the
sheets throughout the season. Make copies of the
sheets and include them in this manual.
The shocks operate by having oil flow through the
valving piston and bend the washers to get on the oth-
er side of the piston. The washers on the shaft side
of the piston are compression valves. The washers on
the nut side control rebound.
7.6
Rebound
Stack
Piston
Compression
Stack
Lock nut
Shock rod