MythBuster's dRIVE BELT

[bigred_tr]

Myth or Bust !

I have a Polaris 500XC...When replacing the drive belt...Is there a correct way the belt goes on according to the print on the belt? meaning..standing on clutch side should I be able to read the print or should it be upsidedown..or doesn't make a difference??

Thanks

BR

 

[doo_dr]

Most drive belts are made with overlapping layers that do favor having the clutches pull on them in a certain direction. And most belt mnfctrs have an arrow printed on them for rotational direction. If your belt does not have arrows the rule of thumb is to install the belt so you can read it from the top (left to right)! That way if you take the belt off it makes it easier to remember how it goes back on.

 

[getsome]

Most drive belts are made with overlapping layers that do favor having the clutches pull on them in a certain direction. And most belt mnfctrs have an arrow printed on them for rotational direction. If your belt does not have arrows the rule of thumb is to install the belt so you can read it from the top (left to right)! That way if you take the belt off it makes it easier to remember how it goes back on.

X2 agree.

 

[indyxcr]

If you don't put it on the right way it will wear fast and come apart and could end up going through your hood!
I have seen this happen.
Also after a 1,000 miles start watching for wear it starts grabing deeper in the clutch.
5 years ago mine starting having cracks and coming apart.

 

[bigred_tr]

Found it !

Ok..i dug alittle more myself to answer my own question. From the Qwner's Safety and maintenance manual it's self..page 80 in maintenance section under belt installation "1. Drop the drive belt over the drive clutch and pull back the slack. Numbers should be readable from RIGHT side of unit." which I think that if you are standing on the same side that the clutch is on the numbers would be upsidedown ! Do all agree? !!!

 

[dab102999]

Rule of thumb, stand on clutch side, should be able to read the numbers looking down on it.

 

[russholio]

"1. Drop the drive belt over the drive clutch and pull back the slack. Numbers should be readable from RIGHT side of unit." which I think that if you are standing on the same side that the clutch is on the numbers would be upsidedown !

The problem with this is that the "right side" or "left side" is subjective based on the perspective of the author -- do they mean the "right side" (or "left side") as you're looking at the sled from the front, or as you're sitting on it? To me it would mean as you're sitting on it....but that's just me. "Clutch side" and "mag side" are more clear.

I'd have to agree with Dab, as this this is how it's been with all my sleds.

 

[doomsman]

Go to a grass drag and look at the 200 plus horse power mods.
They all have the belts so you read them from the clutch side.