Polaris snowmobile belt deflection DIY guide

Whether you have a brand new Polaris snowmobile or one with a few good miles on it, the belt deflection is one of the often overlooked periodic adjustments that'll keep your sled performing optimally. The belt and clutch system transfer power from the motor to the track and needs to be periodically maintained. Improper belt deflection can make your sled feel sluggish and perform poorly from clutch engagement to the top end. Keep your Polaris sleds clutch system in optimal power transfer performance with with the simple tips outlined in this video.

[@bennelson5076]

Great job on the video. I really appreciated you breaking it all down and explaining in detail. I knew some of this already, but how you explained it helps me even further.

[@mountainsleddergarage8627]

Thanks!

[@broadwayline]

So easy to understand - you’re great at this

[@hpniemi]

This was sooo good and clear explanation. Thanks.

[@Rockymountainklx]

Excellent video! Thank you

[@jadenhall3570]

Your really good at teaching! Tysm for the video!

[@mountainsleddergarage8627]

Thanks for the kind comments

[@LiveForGLory]

This was really helpful, thank you!

[@mountainsleddergarage8627]

Glad it helped you

[@broadwayline]

Great vid

[@Rokonroller]

Excellent tutorial bud! Gracias

[@mountainsleddergarage8627]

Thanks,

[@lobbyrobby]

Well done

[@WhatsCookinToday]

Almost like if you could adjust the stall on the torque converter on your hot rod.

[@colton5bucks]

Excellent video

[@nombr]

I really enjoyed that diy! I knew how to adjust my deflection before but I did t really know why I was doing it lol.
Thanks for taking the time and breaking it down step by step.
Also, on the track stand my track will creep a bit, but not when the weight of the sled is on the track. Is that ok?

[@mountainsleddergarage8627]

Thanks. I’ve learned a lot of the time people do stuff but don’t necessarily know why. I think it really helps to understand how your sled works. If it creeps a little on the track stand stone, but not on the ground, that’s perfect. Check out the flyweight bushing replacement I just down loaded this morning.

[@mountainsleddergarage8627]

Yea, adjusting the belt to sheath clearance is a whole other animal. I debated on whether or not to do a video on it. You need more special tools and know how to do it correctly, like you mentioned. I would bet most Polaris dealership mechanics aren't aware of the issue you mentioned and just slap it back together.

[@paulgoeke758]

When you talk about belt to sheave clearance, and mention possibility removing shims, you don't bring up how this can put you clutch out of balance due to your spider tightening up in a different location. I was always told that if your stationary sheave and sliding sheave are within an inch of their marks you're still good, anything more and your clutch will need rebalancing... wondering why you didn't mention this?

[@bethbatanglo2932]

Why was your clutch woobleing do you have a bad motor mount

[@NITROUSnBIASPLYS]

What would make the backnshifting better when your doing say 30-40 mph and when you get on the throttle it seems to engage rpm low and take a while to run up to 8200 rpm?
I have a 2019 polaris indy XC 129 800

[@mountainsleddergarage8627]

Usually adjusting your secondary. Simplest and least expensive would be a stiffer secondary spring. Then if youre still not happy a different helix. Either of those changes may affect max rpm, so you may need to change the primary weight to find max rpm

[@NITROUSnBIASPLYS]

@@mountainsleddergarage8627 what's your opinion on delin washers or those bearings people put behind the secondary spring cup?

[@mountainsleddergarage8627]

I usually use the washers if I take the clutch apart for something. Not sure how much or if they do much, but they are cheap and in theory should be beneficial

[@Rokonroller]

What is the end play tolerance on the secondary clutch sheaves on the shaft

[@newpylong]

The secondary should be able to float out enough where when the belt grips it's not rubbing on the clutch bolt washers on the outside. All sleds are different but my Switchback probably has a good 3/8" of slide in it.

[@denniswilder3014]

That pto bearing junk or the crank snub out that clutch has a huge wobble to it

[@mountainsleddergarage8627]

Not sure I understand what you are saying?

[@mikehd3904]

Primary has a wobble; it's not crazy but it there

[@mountainsleddergarage8627]

Yea it’s weird that shows up in the video. You can’t see it in real life. When I set up a dial indicator on the clutch and the crank they are perfectly straight with zero wobble