How to Adjust Snowmobile Belt Deflection

Time needed: 20 minutes.

How to adjust snowmobile belt deflection

1. Check existing belt deflection

   Place a straight edge between the clutches and pull down on the center of the belt. Midway between the clutches, use a tape measure or ruler to measure the distance between the belt and the straight edge. This is the belt deflection.

2. Adjust the belt

   If the belt deflection is incorrect (check your owner’s manual for the correct measurement), either tighten or loosen the belt to achieve the correct measurement. Loosen the jam nut on the secondary clutch using an Allen wrench. Turn the adjuster counterclockwise to draw the sheaves together.

3. Roll the belt through the clutches

   With the belt loose, grab ahold of it and roll it through the primary and secondary clutches. You’ll see it rise in the secondary sheaves, which tightens it.

4. Take a second measurement

   If you tighten it too much, just turn the adjustment screw in the opposite direction to loosen the belt. Doing so will push the sheaves apart. As you’re doing this, you’ll notice the belt dropping in the sheaves. This indicates it’s loosening. The lower the belt rides, the looser it will be. Take another measurement and continue this process until achieving the correct belt deflection.

5. Tighten the jam nut

   Once you’re finished, tighten the jam nut. Be sure to insert the Allen wrench first to hold the adjustment and then tighten the jam nut. If you just tighten the jam nut, you’re going to turn the adjuster at the same time and affect the belt deflection.