TIPS FOR ADJUSTING AND REPAIRING TRACK SYSTEMS DURING RIDING SEASON
Many members of the Camso Powersports community spend considerable time navigating challenging terrains with their tracked UTV or ATV. As a result, they should anticipate occasional adjustments and repairs to their track system throughout the riding season.
To maintain your track system in optimal condition, it's essential to inspect it after each ride and make any necessary adjustments promptly, much like you would with your car. This ensures your tracked side-by-side is always ready for action, no matter where your adventures take you.
In this article, we provide guidance on what to inspect, adjust, and repair on your Camso UTV 4S1 track system during your riding season. Maintenance tasks may vary depending on your vehicle and track system model, so always refer to your Owner's Manual for specific instructions.
Remember, the more frequently you use your track system, the more regular maintenance it will require. The three most critical components to monitor are the wheels, bearings, and rubber track.
1- How to Inspect and Adjust the Wheels of Your Track System
- Inspect the track system’s wheels and moving parts, ensuring they are free from obstructions and not frozen or covered in mud.
- Check for wear on the wheels, particularly on the interior guidance strip. Replace any damaged wheels if the inner surface is perforated or if the wheel’s rolling band narrows to less than 45 mm in width. Excessively worn wheels will not provide adequate support to guide the track.
Camso Pro Tip:
Clean your track system after every ride.
If your track system is covered with snow, store it in a heated garage to help the ice melt. Ice normally breaks off as you ride, but if needed you can also use a wood stick to remove it without damaging your track system.
If your track system is caked in mud and you want to clean it with a pressure washer, proceed with care. You need to keep the water stream away from the wheels and hub bearing seals and the rubber caps.
2- How to remove a wheel from a track system
Sometimes you must remove a wheel if the track slips off the system or you need to replace the bearings. To change a wheel, you’ll need a wrench or the Camso extractor tool. It’s designed specifically for Camso ATV T4S track system and simplifies removal.
Need the Camso Wheel Puller tool? Order it here.
The wheels on the Camso UTV 4S1 and Camso X4S are bolted on, so you can use either the extractor tool or a wrench.
All Camso track systems are assembled with sealed bearings, which makes the tracks more durable. Careful inspection and maintenance of bearings will help prevent damage to your track system, extending its life and durability.
Check the wheel bearings for restriction, noise, or abnormal play in rotation. Replace a bearing if it shows any of these defects.
The Camso ATV T4S has its bearings molded into the wheels. If replacement is needed, you’ll have to replace the entire wheel. For the Camso X4S and Camso UTV 4S1, just the bearings can be replaced in the case of wear.
To replace the wheel bearings, follow these steps:
1. Remove the wheel with the Camso extractor tool when needed.
2. Inspect the wheel bearings for restriction, noise, or abnormal play in rotation.
3. Clean the wheel shaft and apply 3 to 3.5 cc of grease on the wheel seal’s V-shaped groove and 1 to 1.5 cc on the wheel shaft, over its entire circumference (360°) and width.
4. Install new wheel bearings.
5. Apply thread locker on the wheel bearing screw as identified in the Owner Manual.
4- How to lubricate the hub bearings
Apply 1.5 to 2 cc of grease evenly between the hub seal lips over the entire circumference (360°).
We recommend applying 8 to 12 cc of SAE 80W-90 through the hole on top of hub housing to lubricate the hub. Quantity of oil may vary according to your track system model (refer to your Owner Manual).
5- How to inspect and adjust the rubber track on your track system
Here are the basic adjustments you should regularly do on your rubber track.
Inspect and adjust the track tension as needed. This is very important for proper vehicle performance and your own safety. To properly adjust your track system’s tension, you’ll need the Camso track tension testing tool. Don’t have this tool? Order it here.
To adjust track tension, follow these steps :
1. Loosen the track tensioner assembly bolt.
2. Adjust the track tension by turning the tension adjustment bolt clockwise or counterclockwise and measure with the Camso track tension testing tool.
3. Follow the table for recommended force to apply and deflection to occur to set the right track tension according to your tracks model.
How to reinstall a track that slips off the system while driving
1. Back up the track tensioner.
2. Remove the outside idler wheel at the tensioner position. (It will make it a lot easier to put the track back on the system.)
4. Put the track back on the system.
5. Reinstall the wheel.
6. Put the tension back on.
See our how-to-video: Top 5 tips for track systems (See 2 min 43 seconds for how to reinstall a track that slips off the system).
7- What track system maintenance to perform after more than 25 hours of riding
In addition to the routine adjustments and repairs track system owners should do throughout the riding track system, mechanic fans can also perform more thorough maintenance on a periodic basis.
Here’s a quick checklist of the system maintenance you or your dealer should perform based on usage intervals and terrain conditions.
You can also find complete & personalized maintenance instructions for your specific Camso track system and vehicle in your Owner's Manual.
Follow these regular maintenance tips and your Camso track system will keep you happily tearing up the trails whenever the mood strikes. Remember to tag us on social during your outdoor adventures!
Want more tips on track system maintenance? Check out our tracked ATV/UTV maintenance guide.
Get tools & replacement parts Here.