Shocks & Suspension
About Shocks & Suspension
Skis, springs and shocks do the work of keeping a snowmobile under control over bumps and in deep snow, and the suspension is one of the first places wear shows. Riders shop here for a leaking or tired shock, worn bushings, a new set of slides, or a more capable shock for mountain or trail use.
Shocks are listed by position, such as front ski shock, center shock and rear shock, and by make and years, so identify which one you need first. Gas shocks are common, and some listings include the spring. Shock shafts and bushings are sold separately for rebuilds, and bushings are sized by dimensions such as outside diameter and height, shown in the title. Replacement slides and wear bars are the plastic strips on the suspension rails that the track rides against. Check their thickness regularly, because worn slides can let the track wear into the metal. Spring preload and damping settings are covered in your manual.
Brands in this category include Fox, Garland, EPI, Parts Unlimited and SP1. Related parts are in Skis & Runners and Other Parts. Use the Ride Finder at the top of the page to find shocks for your sled, and read why a part did not fit before you order.
FAQs on snowmobile shocks and suspension
What are the signs of a worn snowmobile shock?
Signs include oil leaking down the body, a shaft that is bent or pitted, a sled that bounces after a bump, and bottoming out more easily than before. Compare how the shock moves against a known good one, or have it checked.
What are slides and wear bars on a snowmobile suspension?
Slides and wear bars are the plastic strips on the suspension rails that the track's guide clips ride on. They wear down with use and heat. Check their thickness, and replace them before they are worn through, because the track can then wear into the metal rails.
Can I replace just a shock shaft or bushings instead of the whole shock?
On many shocks, yes. Shafts and bushings are listed separately for rebuilds. Whether a particular shock is rebuildable depends on its design, and some work needs special tools or a shop that services that brand, so check the listing and the shock's maker.
Are front ski shocks and rear shocks the same?
No. Ski shocks, center shocks and rear shocks have different lengths and mounts, and listings name the position as well as the make and years. Fitting the wrong one affects ride height and handling, so identify the position before you order.
What does spring preload do on a snowmobile shock?
Preload sets how much the spring is compressed before any load, which changes ride height and how much the suspension sags. Use the preload settings in your manual as a starting point and make small changes, checking the ride after each change.
