How to Replace Your Ski-Doo Snowmobile’s Hyfax

When should I replace my Ski-Doo snowmobile hyfax?

Your snowmobile's hyfaxes (sometimes called slider shoes) are long plastic or composite strips that run along the bottom of the rear skid rails on your snowmobile. There’s a simple way to know when to change them: look closely and you should see a line running along the outer edge. This is the wear indicator line. When the hyfax wears to this line, it’s time to change them.

Inspect your snowmobile hyfax every few rides to gauge how much life they have left. How long they last depends on how often you’re riding, the snow conditions and your track tension. Most riders will get a full season out of a set of hyfax. If you frequently ride low-snow conditions, your hyfax will wear faster.

How to replace the hyfax on a Ski-Doo snowmobile

TOOLS REQUIRED:

New Hyfax
Track Stand or Hoist
Phillips Screwdriver
Center Punch
Mallet
Pliers
Handsaw
Silicone Lubricant

1. Park your snowmobile and remove the tether cord.

2. Raise the track of the snowmobile off the ground with a track stand or a hoist. You’ll need enough clearance to fit a screwdriver and center punch underneath.

3. Release the track tension by loosening the tension screws on each side at the rear of the track.

4. Turn the track by hand until one of the track windows aligns with the screw that holds the Hyfax in place towards the front of the skid rail, giving you access to the screw from below. Remove it.

5. Place the center punch into the screw hole and tap it with your mallet towards the rear of the sled until you can grasp the back end of the hyfax with the pliers. Pull it out through the track window. To do this, you may have to twist the hyfax as you’re pulling it free to fit it through. Pull the old hyfax completely out.

6. Measure the new hyfax against the old one. Mark it at the same length and cut it to the correct size with your hand saw. NOTE: Make sure you cut the correct end of the new hyfax not the end with the screw hole.

7. Before inserting the new hyfax, spray the inside with a silicone lubricant to make it easier. Insert the hyfax with the screw hole end first through the track window at 90 degrees and twist it to its proper orientation as you start to slide it down the skid rail.

8. Push the new hyfax forward on the rail until the set screw hole aligns with the hole in the skid. You may have to use your punch and mallet to push it through the last little bit. With the holes aligned, replace the set screw and tighten it.

9. Repeat the same process on the opposite side of the snowmobile. Retighten the track tension and double check for proper track alignment before you lower the rear of the sled. The track alignment process can be found in your Ski-Doo Operator's Guide.

Wasn’t that easy? With your new hyfax installed, you’re set for many more moments and miles of adventure. We’ll see you on the snow.