Polaris 2009 Trail Boss 330 Service Manual page 39

WHEEL ALIGNMENT
METHOD 2: CHALK
1. Place machine on a smooth level surface.
2. Set handlebars in a straight ahead position and
secure handlebars in this position. NOTE: The
steering arm can be used as an indicator of
whether the handlebars are straight. The arm
should always point straight back from the
steering post.
3. Place a chalk mark on the center line of the front
tires approximately 10" (25.4 cm) from the floor or
as close to the hub/axle center line as possible.
NOTE: It is important that the height of both
marks be equally positioned in order to get an
accurate measurement.
4. Measure the distance between the marks and
record the measurement. Call this measurement
"A".
5. Rotate the tires 180° by moving vehicle forward or
backward. Position chalk marks facing rearward,
even with the hub/axle centerline.
6. Again measure the distance between the marks
and record. Call this measurement "B". Subtract
measurement "B" from measurement "A". The
difference between measurements "A" and "B" is
the vehicle toe alignment. The recommended
vehicle toe tolerance is 1/8" to 1/4" (.3 to .6 cm)
toe out. This means the measurement at the front
of the tire (A) is 1/8" to 1/4" (.3 to .6 cm) wider than
the measurement at the rear (B).
Chalk Line
Measurement
"A"
Measurement "B"
TOE ALIGNMENT
ADJUSTMENT
If toe alignment is incorrect, measure the distance
between vehicle center and each wheel. This will tell
you which tie rod needs adjusting. NOTE: Be sure
handlebars are straight ahead before determining
which tie rod(s) need adjustment.
CAUTION: During tie rod adjustment it is very
important that the following precautions be taken
when tightening tie rod end jam nuts. If the rod end
is positioned incorrectly it will not pivot, and may
break.
To adjust toe alignment:
G
Hold tie rod end to keep it from
rotating.
G Loosen jam nuts at both end of the tie
rod.
G
Shorten or lengthen the tie rod until
alignment is as required to achieve
the proper toe setting. Method 1
(1/16" to 1/8") or Method 2 (1/8" to
1/4").
G Important: When tightening the tie
rod end jam nuts, the rod ends must
be held parallel to prevent rod end
damage and
Damage may not be immediately
apparent if done incorrectly.
illustration.
Hold
Rod End
Correctly
Tightened
Jam Nut
MAINTENANCE
premature wear.
See
Incorrectly
Tightened
Jam Nut
2.27