Arctic Cat 550 2012 Service Manual

FOREWORD
This Arctic Cat Service Manual contains service, maintenance, and troubleshooting information for certain 2012
Arctic Cat ATV models (see cover). The complete manual is designed to aid service personnel in service-oriented
applications.
Arctic Cat offers additional publications (when they become available) to aid in servicing other ATV models. To
service models not included in this manual, please refer to the following publications:
• 2012 Y-12+ Service Manual
• 2012 T-14 Service Manual
• 2012 300 DVX/Utility Service Manual
• 2012 350 Service Manual
• 2012 425 Service Manual
• 2012 700 Diesel Service Manual
• 2012 450 XC Service Manual
• 2012 450/1000 Service Manual
• 2012 550/700 Service Manual
This manual is divided into sections. Each section covers a specific ATV component or system and, in addition to
the standard service procedures, includes disassembling, inspecting, and assembling instructions. When using this
manual as a guide, the technician should use discretion as to how much disassembly is needed to correct any given
condition.
The service technician should become familiar with the operation and construction of each component or system
by carefully studying the complete manual. This manual will assist the service technician in becoming more aware
of and efficient with servicing procedures. Such efficiency not only helps build consumer confidence but also saves
time and labor.
All Arctic Cat ATV publications and decals display the words Warning, Caution, Note, and At This Point to
emphasize important information. The symbol ! WARNING identifies personal safety-related information.
Be sure to follow the directive because it deals with the possibility of severe personal injury or even death. A
CAUTION identifies unsafe practices which may result in ATV-related damage. Follow the directive because it
deals with the possibility of damaging part or parts of the ATV. The symbol  NOTE: identifies supplementary
information worthy of particular attention. The symbol
 AT THIS POINT directs the technician to certain
and specific procedures to promote efficiency and to improve clarity.
At the time of publication, all information, photographs, and illustrations were technically correct. Some photo-
graphs used in this manual are used for clarity purposes only and are not designed to depict actual conditions.
Because Arctic Cat Inc. constantly refines and improves its products, no retroactive obligation is incurred.
All materials and specifications are subject to change without notice.
Keep this manual accessible in the shop area for reference.
Product Service and
Warranty Department
Arctic Cat Inc.
© 2011 Arctic Cat Inc. September 2011
®™ Trademarks of Arctic Cat Inc., Thief River Falls, MN 56701
FOR ARCTIC CAT ATV DISCOUNT PARTS CALL 606-678-9623 OR 606-561-4983
www.mymowerparts.com

Arctic Cat 550 2012 Specifications

General

Brand	Arctic Cat
Model	550 2012
Category	Offroad Vehicle
Language	English

Summary

SECTION 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION/SPECIFICATIONS

Torque Specifications

Lists torque values for critical fasteners across chassis, exhaust, brake, suspension, and drive train components.

Gasoline - Oil - Lubricant

SECTION 2 - PERIODIC MAINTENANCE

Periodic Maintenance Chart

A comprehensive chart detailing required maintenance tasks at specified intervals (mileage/time) for the ATV.

Engine/Transmission Oil - Filter

Step-by-step guide for changing the engine and transmission oil and replacing the oil filter for lubrication.

Hydraulic Brake Systems

Instructions for checking and bleeding the hydraulic brake systems to ensure optimal braking performance.

SECTION 3 - ENGINE/TRANSMISSION

Specifications

Top-Side Components

Servicing Top-Side Components

Detailed procedures for servicing individual top-side components including pistons, rings, and cylinder head.

Left-Side Components

Servicing Left-Side Components

Detailed procedures for servicing starter clutch, starter gear bearing, and stator coil assemblies.

Right-Side Components

Servicing Right-Side Components

Detailed procedures for inspecting and servicing centrifugal clutch, clutch housing, and oil pump assemblies.

Center Crankcase Components

Details the disassembly and servicing of internal engine components within the crankcase halves.

Servicing Center Crankcase Components

Procedures for servicing secondary output drive gears, backlash adjustment, and crankshaft assembly.

Installing Engine/Transmission

SECTION 4 - FUEL/LUBRICATION/COOLING

Carburetor

Covers the removal, disassembly, cleaning, inspection, assembly, and installation of the ATV's carburetor.

Oil Filter/Oil Pump

Liquid Cooling System

SECTION 5 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Battery

Ignition Timing

SECTION 6 - DRIVE SYSTEM/BRAKE SYSTEM

Front Drive Actuator/Differential Lock

Front Differential

Detailed instructions for removing, disassembling, and assembling the front differential assembly.

Drive Axles

Rear Gear Case

Instructions for removing, inspecting, and installing the rear gear case, including ring gear and thrust button.

Hand Brake Lever/Master Cylinder Assembly

Steps for removing, inspecting, and installing the hand brake lever and master cylinder assembly.

Hydraulic Brake Caliper

Detailed procedures for removing, disassembling, cleaning, inspecting, and assembling hydraulic brake calipers.

Troubleshooting Drive System

Diagnosing and resolving issues related to power transmission from the engine to the wheels.

Troubleshooting Brake System

Addresses common brake system problems such as poor braking, excessive lever travel, and fluid leaks.

SECTION 7 - SUSPENSION

Shock Absorbers

Front A-Arms

Rear A-Arms

Troubleshooting

Diagnosing and resolving common suspension issues like stiffness, noise, oscillation, and pulling.

SECTION 8 - STEERING/FRAME/CONTROLS

Steering Knuckles

Measuring/Adjusting Toe-Out

Troubleshooting

Diagnosing and resolving common steering, frame, and control system problems.