Urgent help needed, 97 Polaris xrtra-10 suspension collapsed

[lofsfire]

97 Polaris xrtra-10 suspension collapsed

So I'm on a trip and a friend is having problems with their sled. I don't know the sled well but as I walked out of the restaurant today I noticed the suspension was completely collapsed with the snow flap dragging. I cleaned out what's snow I could all the components seem to be intact nothing broken. I've got it inside thawing out in the garage now is there anything possible that could be binding the suspension in the collapsed position?

FYI this is a lightweight rider, that rides fairly easy. 30-35mph top speed... Slower when conditions are not good.

Thanks and any help appreciated!

 

[kevinj]

I am not familiar with this sled or the rear skid, but my 04 sabercat had a similar issue. The rear shock of the rear skid went bad and froze in the down position. I would not be surprised if after it thaws out a bit that it comes back to the normal position. These shocks work different than a car shock. They work in both directions. I say this because you say everything looks intact. To possibly get through the trip, you could make the skid ride stiffer to see if the spring force overcomes the collapsed shock a little bit.

 

[catalac]

I would think it has to be a spring issue, or it is froze in the down position. I would take it to dealer if the thawing doesn't help.

 

[racerxnet]

I have a extra 10 on my skidoo and it is common for the springs to go soft causing the issue you describe. Still a good idea to check everything out. I am sure you can see the adjusting blocks (square looking) for spring tension on the back skid. Tighten them up all the way and see if that helps. There were several different spring diameters made for lighter or heavier riders. Kimpex sells a .431 dia. round spring for around 20.00 ea. Normal spring from Polaris is square.

MAK

 

[machzdoo]

Rear shock

 

[snake]

frozen shock

 

[lofsfire]

OK thanks for the suggestions, I will check it out in the morning. But can answer a few questions. They are the stock Polaris torsion springs, they are square. They look to be set on the heaviest setting already. Hoping, once thaws out I'll be able to see more of what's under there easier and get something to be able to move. I'll keep you posted...

 

[old abe]

I had the same happen to a 96 Pol extra "10". 1996 was the first year for that skid. Both torsion "square rear", and front coil springs need to be replaced. You also should replace the shocks. This is common on these skids. You may have to go to Polaris for the front coil spring.

 

[racerxnet]

Don't forget to add weight from the snow build up under the tunnel causing additional sag. I'd bet some days I have 20 extra pounds of slush/ice built up underneath. Hope you get it figured out.

MAK

 

[Dennis]

Rear shock..Look around and see if you can purchase a used fox shock that you can have rebuilt.The stock ones do go bad and collapse I have had this happen to my old 500.With out looking at it.This would be the first thing to check.

 

[lofsfire]

It was the rear shock. The next day it had come up a little but that was it. They were able to ride, thankfully for them, the trails were flat. Thanks for the help!