Content Source: 2019 550 WideTrak LX Owner’s Manual (9928875 R01) > Maintenance Chapter

IMPORTANT

The Owner's Manual for this vehicle contains warnings, instructions and other information you must read and fully understand before safely riding or performing maintenance on this vehicle.Always follow the warnings and instructions in Owner's Manual.

Click the CONTENTS link above for the Table Of Contents, or download a full PDF of the Owner Manual in the Owner Support area of Polaris.com

Clutch System

Periodically inspect clutch sheaves for damage, wear or belt residue. To maintain optimum performance, clean with non-oil based cleaners such as isopropyl alcohol.
WARNING
If you become aware of higher than normal clutch engagement or an unusual vibration or shift pattern, see your dealer or qualified person immediately. Do not operate the snowmobile until repairs have been made.
All clutch maintenance and repairs can 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. Your POLARIS dealer can assist if you experience a decrease in performance.

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.
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.

Clutch System Drive Belt Removal

NOTE
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.
  1. Stop the engine after operating in a forward motion.
  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 pins and remove the clutch guard.
  6. Rotate the driven clutch counter-clockwise 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 counter-clockwise an additional 1/4 turn by hand and try again.
  9. Grasp the belt at the lower edge and remove it.

Drive Belt Installation

To install the drive belt, do the following:
  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.
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    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 counterclockwise to tighten the sheaves while working the belt to the outer edge of the sheaves.
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  3. Remove the wrench.
  4. Reinstall the clutch guard and retaining pins.
  5. Close and secure the hood and release the parking brake.
  6. Break in the new belt. See Engine Break-In

Drive Belt Deflection

  • Measure belt deflection with both clutches at rest and in their full neutral position.
  • Place a straight edge on the belt and apply downward pressure while measuring at point. This measurement should be 1 1/4 inches (3.2 cm).

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Drive Belt Adjustment

Belt deflection should be adjusted without removing the clutch from the jackshaft.
  1. Loosen the 7/16-inch jam nut on the belt width adjuster.
  2. Using a 1/8-inch Allen wrench, adjust the threaded set screw as needed.
    TIP
    Turn the set screw in (clockwise) to increase the distance between the sheaves and out (counter-clockwise) to decrease the distance.
  3. Tighten the jam nut.

Torque Stop

Periodically check torque stop clearance. With clutches in proper alignment, the torque stop clearance should be .010-.030 inch (.25-.75 mm) from the engine case.

Adjust if necessary, and lock the jam nut.
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