How to adjust your Ski-Doo Snowmobile’s rear suspension

When it comes to ride quality and finding the best handling for your Ski-Doo snowmobile, setting the rear suspension sag is key. The rear suspension setup not only affects the comfort from the rear suspension, but it also changes the ride height of the snowmobile. Let’s look at how to properly set the rear sag on your Ski-Doo snowmobile.

Guide to setting the rear suspension sag on your Ski-Doo Snowmobile

1- Before you begin, it’s important to park your snowmobile on a flat surface and remove the tether cord. Because you’ll want to take measurements while you sit on the sled, this process is much easier if you have a friend to help you.

2- Measure the height of your rear bumper before making any adjustments. Give the rear bumper a quick lift to fully extend the suspension. Pick a reference point (example: where the bumper meets the tunnel of the sled) and measure the height from the ground.

3- Next, with your friend holding the tape measure, sit on the sled and have them measure from the ground to the same reference point. The difference between the first and second measurement is your suspension sag. It’s recommended to have between 5 cm and 7.6 cm (2 in. and 3 in.) of sag for most Ski-Doo trail sleds. The recommended sag for most Ski-Doo deep-snow sleds is 6.5–10 cm (2.5–4 in.). The specific recommendation for your Ski-Doo model is found in your operator’s guide.

Ski-Doo Pro Tip: To get the most accurate reading, take your second measurement fully geared up. Wear your helmet, pack any accessories you need for a day of riding and fill your fuel caddy so you’re sure to account for all the added weight you typically carry.

If your rear bumper does not fall within the recommended sag distance, you need to adjust your rear suspension with the following steps.

4- Adjust the rear spring preload cam on each side of your sled’s rear suspension. Using the suspension adjustment wrench in your left side panel, turn the adjustment nut one position at a time and retake the sag measurement at the new setting. Make sure each side of the spring preload cam is adjusted to the same setting.

There are five settings to choose from. Increasing the spring preload will result in less sag and a higher ride height. Decreasing it will result in more sag and a lower ride height.

NOTE: Never go directly from setting 1 to setting 5 or from 5 to 1. Always adjust in numerical order.

If you are unable to achieve the proper amount of sag from the rear suspension, consult your Ski-Doo dealer for assistance. Once you’ve set the sag in your Ski-Doo rear suspension properly, you’re on your way to leveling up every snowmobile adventure. That’s what you call That Ski-Doo Feeling.

We’ll see you on the snow!