How to Clean a Polaris Driven Clutch

Regular tuning and maintenance is important to keep your Polaris sled running at peak performance. Grease, dirt, and belt residue buildup will contaminate the clutch surfaces and result in a loss of power to the vehicle. Cleaning the clutch and belt of your Polaris will improve its power band and will reduce wear on the drive belt. Cleaning the clutch assemblies should be done every season, or every 1,000 miles.

Things You'll Need

  • Flat-head screwdrivers
  • Deep socket
  • Scotch Brite pad or steel wool
  • Polaris clutch cleaner spray or acetone
  • Soap and water
  • Bristle brush
  • Soft lint free cloth
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Instructions

    • 1

      Open the hood of the Polaris and remove the cover enclosing the clutch assembly. Remove the belt by pulling it to the top side of the clutch rim, continuously pushing forward until it is released. Remove it from the vehicle.

    • 2

      Clean the belt with soapy hot water and a long bristle brush. Rinse with clean, hot water. Set the belt aside to dry while you clean the clutch surfaces.

    • 3

      Pry open the clutch with two flat-head screwdrivers. Place a deep socket inside the clutch to hold it open. Remove the heavy residue and belt scuff marks with a Scotch Brite pad or with medium abrasive steel wool. Be careful--you do not want to create any low spots on the clutch surface. Spray Polaris clutch cleaner, or rub acetone over the surface and allow it to dissolve remaining contaminants. Wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth.

    • 4

      Wash the clutch surface with hot, soapy water. Wash the clutch cover and surrounding clutch housing and rinse with hot, clean water. Allow all surfaces to dry completely.

    • 5

      Reattach the drive belt in the proper direction. Make sure you can read the numbers on the side of the belt as you are looking toward the clutch assembly.

    • 6

      Replace the clutch housing cover and close the hood.