Content Source: 2021 550 Indy 144 Owner’s Manual (9931273 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 slider blocks and bushings of the 550 clutches are made of a material that may be damaged if lubricated. Do not lubricate bushings or slider blocks.

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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Drive Belt Condition

Periodically check the condition and tension of the drive belt. 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.
Always carry a spare drive belt. Store the spare belt in the belt clip located under the left side of the hood.
For improved drive-away during extremely cold temperatures, remove the belt and warm it to room temperature. Reinstall it before starting the snowmobile.

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 1/8 - 1 1/4 in. (2.85 - 3.2 cm).

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Drive Belt Deflection Adjustment

Adjusting the drive belt deflection is accomplished by turning the driven clutch offset screws inwards to increase deflection, or outwards to decrease deflection. Use the Belt Tension Adjuster Tool to loosen, hold, and tighten the jam nuts.
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Belt Tension Adjuster Tool
PN: PS-51272
  1. Loosen the two 6 mm jam nuts using the Belt Tension Adjuster tool . The adjuster tool is designed to allow access to the adjuster screw while holding the jam nut.
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    NOTICE

    Both adjuster screws will need to be turned outwards (counter-clockwise) to decrease deflection. When making adjustments, only adjust one of the screws.

  2. To increase belt deflection, use a 3 mm Allen wrench to turn one of the adjuster screws inwards (clockwise). To decrease belt deflection, turn the set screw outwards (counter-clockwise).
  3. Make adjustments until drive belt deflection is set to specification.

    Drive Belt Deflection

    1.13-1.25 in (2.85-3.2 cm)
  4. After achieving the desired belt deflection, tighten the jam nut to specification while holding the adjuster screw stationary.
  5. Turn the remaining adjuster screw inwards until it makes contact with the spacer washer. Turn screw inwards slightly, and then tighten jam nut to specification while holding the adjuster screw stationary.
    TORQUE

    Driven Clutch Adjustment Screw Jam Nuts

    57.5-75 in-lbs (6.5-8.5 N·m)

Drive Belt Removal

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. Rotate the driven clutch counter-clockwise 1/4 turn by hand to ensure forward engagement before attempting to remove the belt.
  1. Stop the engine after operating in a forward motion.
  2. Turn the ignition key off. Wait for the engine to come to a complete stop.
  3. Lock the parking brake.
  4. Remove the left side panel.
  5. Rotate the driven clutch counter-clockwise 1/4 turn by hand to ensure forward engagement.
  6. Locate the L-wrench in the tool kit. Install the wrench into the open threaded hole in the outer sheave of the clutch.
  7. 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.
  8. Remove the belt from the driven clutch.

Drive Belt Installation

  1. With the L-wrench inserted into the threaded hole and the sheaves in the open position, install the drive belt.
    TIP

    Install the belt so that the numbers can be read correctly on the left side of the vehicle, or in the direction in which the belt was originally installed.

  2. Wiggle the belt to remove slack while removing the L-wrench.
  3. Reinstall the side panel.
  4. Break in the new belt. See Drive Belt Break-In.

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