How to Remove a Snowmobile Drive Clutch

Snowmobile clutches must be rebuilt periodically.

The snowmobile drive clutch acts like an automobile transmission by adjusting the speed of the snowmobile according to your throttle position. It uses a belt and two pulleys rather than gears to accomplish this. The pulleys have the ability to open and close axially so that the belt can move in various positions across each pulley. The internal mechanisms of the pulleys eventually wear out and require rebuilding. You must remove the clutches from the snowmobile to accomplish this.

Things You'll Need

• Snowmobile owner's manual
• Socket set
• Clutch puller
• 12-point socket

Instructions

1. Open and remove the belt guard and drive belt. The procedure for removing these belts varies from one model of snowmobile to another, so refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions.

2. Remove the plug from the belly pan, which provides access to the side of the clutch.

3. Remove the bolt and lock washer securing the drive clutch to the crankshaft.

4. Insert the clutch puller into the hole exposed by removing the main bolt. The arms of the puller attach to the back of the clutch. Tighten the puller slowly until the clutch comes off. You may have to tap gently on the end of the puller to assist in the removal.

5. Remove the clutch and make note of exactly how it was assembled. It is common that spacing washers are used to align the clutches. It is important that these washes be used when the clutch is remounted for proper operation.

References

• University of Maine, Mechanical Engineering Dept.: Setup Manual - To Remove Clutch