How to Change a Snowmobile Drive Belt

Tearing through the snowy landscape on a snowmobile means that you will be out in the wilderness, pushing speeds of up to 80 miles per hour and launching off of snowbanks. However, if your snowmobile's drive belt rips, you are done. A torn drive belt is similar to popping a tire on a bike and you won't be going anywhere until it is fixed. Luckily, drive belts are easy to change--on many models the process doesn't even require tools.

Things You'll Need

  • Spare drive belt
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Instructions

    • 1

      Open up the hood of your snowmobile and the side cowling on the belt side of the snowmobile. Locate and retrieve the spare drive belt. Most snowmobiles come with a spare drive belt. You will need to replace it after you use it.

    • 2

      Remove the protective drive belt guard by unscrewing the wing nut and pulling the pin out. Some models simply click open.

    • 3

      Engage your parking brake before continuing on.

    • 4

      Remove the panel (if there is one) next to the primary clutch, to provide room for the belt to be removed. Lift up the track so that the drive belt and clutch can spin freely. Pull the belt toward the edge of the primary clutch and spin the primary clutch.

    • 5

      Work the drive chain off of the secondary clutch as you spin the primary clutch--similar to how you would remove a chain from a bicycle. Once the belt is free from the secondary clutch, it is completely off.

    • 6

      Install a new drive belt by first placing it around the primary clutch and working it onto the secondary clutch (essentially reversing Step five). Spin both clutches in unison to secure the belt into place.

    • 7

      Replace your paneling and the drive belt guard. Close the hood of your snowmobile and fire it up, ready to go again.