Ever feel like your Polaris Sportsman 570 is beating you up on the trail? You hit a few bumps, and suddenly your teeth are rattling, and your back is screaming. We’ve all been there. That jarring, uncomfortable ride can turn a great day of off-roading into a chore.
But what if I told you the solution is already built into your ATV and takes just a few minutes to access? You don’t need expensive aftermarket parts or a trip to the dealer to dramatically improve your ride quality.
This comprehensive guide promises to walk you through every step of a proper polaris sportsman 570 shock adjustment. We’ll cover why it matters, the tools you’ll need, the step-by-step process, and some pro tips to dial in your suspension perfectly for your specific needs. Get ready to transform your ride from harsh to heavenly.
Why Bother with Shock Adjustment? The Benefits You Can’t Ignore
You might think your factory settings are “good enough,” but they’re just a one-size-fits-all starting point. Taking the time for a proper shock adjustment unlocks a whole new level of performance and comfort. This is one of the most impactful, no-cost mods you can do.
Enhanced Ride Comfort and Reduced Fatigue
This is the big one. A softer setting absorbs more of the small, chattery bumps on a trail, giving you a plusher ride. A properly tuned suspension means less impact is transferred to you, the rider, which dramatically reduces fatigue on long rides. You’ll finish the day feeling refreshed, not rattled.
Improved Handling and Control
Shock adjustment isn’t just about comfort; it’s about control. A setting that’s too soft can feel “wallowy” in corners and cause the ATV to nosedive under braking. A setting that’s too stiff can feel skittish and lose traction over rough terrain. Finding that sweet spot gives you predictable, confidence-inspiring handling.
Increased Ground Clearance and Load Capacity
Are you hauling gear, carrying a passenger, or using attachments like a snowplow? Increasing the shock preload (making it stiffer) compresses the spring, which can raise your ride height slightly. This gives you more ground clearance and helps prevent the suspension from sagging under heavy loads, ensuring your ATV performs as it should.
Understanding Your Sportsman 570’s Stock Shocks
Before we start turning things, let’s understand what we’re working with. The stock shocks on most Sportsman 570 models feature a simple but effective adjustment system. This is a core part of any good polaris sportsman 570 shock adjustment guide.
What is Preload? A Simple Explanation
The adjustment you’re making is called preload. In simple terms, preload is the amount of tension applied to the shock spring when it’s fully extended. Adding preload doesn’t make the spring itself stiffer, but it does change the amount of force required to start compressing it. More preload equals a firmer ride and more load-carrying capacity.
Identifying the 5 Adjustment Positions
Look at the bottom of your shock spring. You’ll see a notched collar, often called a cam adjuster. This collar typically has five positions or “ramps.” Each ramp represents a different level of preload. The lowest ramp is the softest setting, and the highest ramp is the stiffest.
Softer vs. Stiffer: What Do the Settings Mean?
- Position 1 (Lowest Ramp): Softest setting. Ideal for a light rider on smooth trails, prioritizing maximum comfort.
- Position 2-3: Medium settings. A good all-around balance for general trail riding with an average-sized rider. This is often the factory setting.
- Position 4-5 (Highest Ramp): Stiffest settings. Best for heavy riders, carrying passengers, hauling cargo, or using heavy attachments like a plow.
Tools and Prep: Getting Ready for a Safe Adjustment
You don’t need a full workshop for this job, but having the right tools makes it a breeze. More importantly, taking a few safety steps is non-negotiable. Let’s get prepped.
Essential Tools You’ll Need
- Spanner Wrench: This is the most important tool. It’s designed to fit the notches on the shock adjuster. You can find one in your ATV’s factory toolkit or buy a universal one online. Using pliers or a screwdriver will only damage the adjuster.
- Sturdy Jack or ATV Lift: You need to get the weight off the wheels to make adjusting the shocks easier.
- Jack Stands: Never work on a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands for safety.
- Penetrating Oil (like PB Blaster or WD-40): Your adjusters are likely caked in mud and dirt. A good spray will help free them up.
- Stiff Brush and Rag: For cleaning the shock threads and adjuster before you start.
Safety First: Pre-Adjustment Checklist
Before you lift a finger, run through this quick safety check. These are the polaris sportsman 570 shock adjustment best practices for a reason.
- Park your Sportsman on a hard, level surface like a garage floor or concrete pad.
- Put the transmission in Park and set the parking brake.
- Chock the wheels on the opposite end of the ATV you plan to lift first.
The Complete Polaris Sportsman 570 Shock Adjustment Guide
Alright, you’re prepped and ready. Here is exactly how to polaris sportsman 570 shock adjustment works, step by step. We’ll do one end (front or rear) at a time.
Lift and Secure Your ATV: Using your jack, lift either the front or rear of the ATV until the tires are off the ground. Place your jack stands securely under a solid frame point to support the weight.
Clean the Shock Adjuster: The cam adjuster and shock body are magnets for mud. Spray them generously with penetrating oil and use a stiff brush to scrub away all the grit and grime. This is the secret to avoiding a stuck adjuster, a very common problem with polaris sportsman 570 shock adjustment.
Locate the Spanner Wrench Hole: Find the small hole on the cam adjuster. This is where the tooth of your spanner wrench will engage.
Turn the Adjuster: Fit the spanner wrench onto the adjuster. To increase stiffness, you’ll turn the adjuster so the spring moves up to a higher ramp. To decrease stiffness, you’ll turn it the other way to a lower ramp. It may take some muscle, especially if it hasn’t been moved in a while.
Adjust Both Shocks on the Axle: This is critical! Always set both the left and right shocks on the same axle (front or rear) to the exact same setting. Mismatched settings will cause dangerously unpredictable handling.
Repeat for the Other End: Once you’ve set both shocks on one end, carefully lower the ATV. Then, repeat the entire process for the other end of the machine.
Lower and Test: With all four shocks adjusted, remove the jack stands and lower your ATV completely. Push down on the front and rear racks to feel the difference. The best test, of course, is to take it for a short, careful ride over familiar terrain to see how it feels.
Best Practices and Pro Tips for a Perfect Setup
Getting the mechanics right is half the battle. Now let’s dial it in like a pro with these essential polaris sportsman 570 shock adjustment tips.
Adjusting for Your Riding Style
How you ride should dictate your setup. Are you a slow-and-steady rock crawler or a fast-paced trail rider? A softer setting is great for slow, technical terrain where you want the tires to maintain contact with the ground. A slightly firmer setting can prevent excessive body roll and bottoming out on faster, whooped-out trails.
Factoring in Rider Weight and Cargo
The factory setting assumes an “average” rider weight. If you’re a heavier rider, or you frequently carry a full cooler, tools, or a passenger, you’ll want to increase the preload by at least one or two clicks from the stock setting to compensate for the extra weight.
The “Set and Forget” Myth: When to Re-Adjust
Your ideal setup might change. If you’re heading out for a hunting trip with the racks loaded down, stiffen the suspension. If you’re just joyriding on smooth trails the next weekend, soften it back up for comfort. Checking and adjusting your shocks should be part of your regular pre-ride prep.
Common Problems with Polaris Sportsman 570 Shock Adjustment (And How to Fix Them)
Even a simple job can have its hiccups. Here are a few common issues and how to power through them.
My Shock Adjuster is Seized!
This is the number one issue. The cause is almost always dirt and corrosion. The solution is more cleaning and more penetrating oil. Spray it, let it soak for 15-20 minutes, tap the adjuster lightly with the handle of a screwdriver to break the corrosion, and try again. Patience is key.
Uneven Ride Height or Handling
If your ATV leans to one side or feels weird in corners after you’re done, you’ve almost certainly set the left and right shocks to different preload settings. Double-check your work and ensure both sides on an axle match perfectly.
I Still Bottom Out on the Stiffest Setting
If you’ve maxed out the preload and you’re still bottoming out the suspension, it could mean one of two things. Either your springs have worn out and lost their tension, or your riding style and load simply exceed the capabilities of the stock shocks. At this point, it’s time to consider upgrading to heavy-duty springs or a set of quality aftermarket shocks.
Maintenance and Eco-Friendly Care for Your Suspension
A good polaris sportsman 570 shock adjustment care guide doesn’t end with the adjustment. Proper maintenance ensures your suspension works well for years to come.
Regular Cleaning and Inspection
The best way to prevent seized adjusters is to keep them clean. After every muddy ride, make a point to hose down your shocks and springs thoroughly. While you’re there, inspect the shock bodies for any signs of leaking oil, which indicates a blown seal and the need for a replacement.
Using Biodegradable Cleaners
When you’re washing your machine, consider using a quality, biodegradable degreaser or ATV wash. This is a simple step toward a more sustainable polaris sportsman 570 shock adjustment and maintenance routine, as it prevents harsh chemicals from running off into the environment.
Proper Disposal of Old Parts
If you do upgrade your shocks or springs, don’t just toss the old ones in the trash. The oil inside old shocks is considered hazardous waste. Check with your local auto parts store or municipal recycling center for proper, eco-friendly polaris sportsman 570 shock adjustment and parts disposal options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Polaris Sportsman 570 Shock Adjustment
Do I need a special tool to adjust the shocks?
Yes, you really do. The correct tool is a spanner wrench. While you might be tempted to use channel-lock pliers or a pipe wrench, you will almost certainly gouge and damage the soft metal of the adjuster cam, making future adjustments nearly impossible.
How do I know which setting is softest or stiffest?
It’s easy to remember: the lowest physical position of the ramp on the adjuster is the softest setting (least preload). The highest ramp is the stiffest setting (most preload). Moving the spring base up increases preload.
Should I adjust the front and rear shocks to the same setting?
Not necessarily. Many riders prefer a slightly stiffer setting in the rear to handle cargo or prevent sagging during acceleration, while keeping the front a bit softer for better bump absorption and steering feel. Feel free to experiment to find a balance that works for you.
How often should I check my shock adjustment?
A good rule of thumb is to check it a few times per season, and any time you plan to significantly change your load. If you’re adding a plow for the winter or loading up for a camping trip, a quick adjustment beforehand will make a world of difference.
There you have it—everything you need to take control of your ride. A simple polaris sportsman 570 shock adjustment is one of the easiest and most rewarding DIY jobs you can perform. It empowers you to tailor your machine perfectly to your needs, enhancing comfort, safety, and overall enjoyment.
So grab your tools, get your hands a little dirty, and unlock the hidden potential in your ATV’s suspension. Dial in your ride, stay safe, and hit the trails with confidence!
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