Snowmobile Polaris Widetrak LX (2014 year). Manual - part 20

81

MAINTENANCE

Clutch System

Periodically inspect the clutch sheaves for damage, wear, or belt 
residue. To maintain optimum performance, clean with non-oil based 
cleaners such as isopropyl alcohol.

NOTICE: If you become aware of higher than normal clutch engagement or an 

unusual vibration or shift pattern, see your dealer immediately. Do not 
operate the snowmobile until repairs have been made. All clutch 
maintenance and repairs must be performed by an authorized 
POLARIS dealer. Any unauthorized modifications to clutches, such as 
adding or removing weights, will void the warranty.

NOTICE: The bushings in the weights and rollers of POLARIS clutches are 

made of a material that may be damaged if lubricated. Do not 
lubricate clutch bushings.

Clutch Alignment Offset

Clutch alignment offset is important for maintaining optimum 
performance. Please see your POLARIS dealer if you experience a 
decrease in performance.

82

MAINTENANCE

Clutch System

Drive Belt Condition

Belt width and length must match the center distance of the clutches and 
sheave width of the drive clutch. For this reason, POLARIS 
recommends that only O.E.M. belts be used. Other belts may match the 
dimensions, but can drastically change the shift pattern, resulting in 
poor performance. See Belt Troubleshooting on page 108.

Periodically check the condition and tension of the drive belt, and 
always carry a spare. Inspect the belt for signs of excessive wear: frayed 
edges, missing cogs, cracks and excessive looseness. Replace the belt if 
any of these conditions exist.

Tip: A worn belt will continue to function, but will not deliver maximum 

performance. Always carry a spare belt in case of an emergency.

For improved drive-away during extremely cold temperatures, remove 
the belt and warm it to room temperature. Reinstall it before starting the 
snowmobile.

83

MAINTENANCE

Clutch System

Drive Belt Removal

1. Stop the engine after operating in a forward motion.

NOTICE: Do not attempt to remove the drive belt after operating in reverse. The 

snowmobile must be stopped after forward motion to prevent damage 
to components during belt removal. 

2. Turn the ignition key off. Wait for the engine to stop completely.

3. Lock the parking brake (if equipped).

4. Open the hood.

5. Remove the clutch guard retaining pin and open the clutch guard.

6. Rotate the driven clutch counterclockwise 1/4 turn by hand to 

ensure forward engagement before attempting to remove the belt.

7. Locate the L-wrench in the tool kit. Install the wrench into the open 

threaded hole in the outer sheave of the clutch.

8. Turn the wrench clockwise until the sheaves open far enough to 

remove the belt. If the wrench does not turn readily, rotate the 
driven clutch counterclockwise an additional 1/4 turn by hand and 
try again.

9. Grasp the belt at the lower edge and remove it.

84

MAINTENANCE

Clutch System

Drive Belt Installation

1. Drop the drive belt over the 

drive clutch and pull back the 
slack. The belt cord line should 
be flush with, or slightly above, 
the outer circumference of the 
driven clutch sheaves. The belt 
will seat itself in the driven 
clutch during the break-in 
period. Adjust the belt ride-out 
after the break-in period by 
readjusting belt deflection.

Tip: To ensure satisfactory belt life, install belts so they operate in the same 

direction of rotation by positioning the identification numbers so that you 
can read them. If required, separate the sheaves as outlined in the belt 
removal procedures.

2. Rotate the L-wrench counter-

clockwise to tighten the sheaves 
while working the belt to the 
outer edge of the sheaves.

3. Remove the wrench.

4. Close the clutch guard and 

reinstall the retaining pin.

5. Close and secure the hood and 

release the parking brake.

6. Break in the new belt. See page 

48.