How to Adjust Snowmobile Belt Deflection

Setting the proper snowmobile belt deflection is one of the easiest things you can do to ensure your sled performs at its peak level. In this video, we show you how it’s done.

 

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.

With your snowmobile belt deflection correctly set, your sled is ready to perform at the top of its game. Make sure to use the best snowmobile oil to keep your engine protected. And do miss our other snowmobile-maintenance posts:

How to Perform a Snowmobile Track Adjustment – AMSOIL Blog

How to Change Snowmobile Chaincase Oil – AMSOIL Blog

automatic transmission issues

Do Transmission Fluid Additives Work? John Baker| Feb 26, 2024 9:04 AM Walk the aisles of most auto parts stores and you’ll find multiple “mechanic-in-a-bottle”-type additives that claim to restore transmission performance. The claims made typically include some variation of the following: • Frees stuck valves to improve shifting • Fixes transmission slipping • Restores smooth […]

Understanding Oil Viscosity Viscosity is the measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow. _by David Hilgendorf|January 17, 2023 The physical properties of lubricants are measured by characteristics like viscosity, shear stability, high- and low-temperature performance, water resistance and volatility. Lubrication science seeks to optimize a lubricant’s performance by managing these properties using different base oils […]

Top 5 Skid Steer Maintenance Tips _by David Hilgendorf|September 29, 2023 Skid steers are built for tough construction, excavation, agricultural and other professional projects. Whether you’re clearing land, moving rocks or tearing down a wall, a skid steer is an excellent piece of equipment for many different jobs. But these nimble machines can be expensive […]

thermal runaway occurs when viscosity drops out and wear increases

How Often Should I Change Differential Fluid? Fluid change intervals depend on your vehicle, driving conditions and gear oil quality. Save time and cash first by improving the situation with this differential fluid solution! _by David Hilgendorf|Feb 26, 2023 A differential is a set of gears that allows a vehicle’s driven wheels to revolve at […]

New European oils for 2023 0W-30 and 10W-60

New AMSOIL Synthetic European Motor Oil Viscosities A new 10W-60 and 0W-30 for several BMW, Volkswagen and other fancy European cars. _by Brad Nelson|June 13, 2023 Those who know, know. The sophisticated engineering, finely-tuned performance and artistic styling of European cars can turn a daily commute into a grin-inducing experience. The design of these vehicles […]

EZ marine lower gear lube service

Service Marine Lower Units to Prevent Water Damage Preventing rust and other water-related problems in marine lower units. Most other Marine Gear Oils fail to make the grade. We learn more on that from our own customers when they make the switch. by David Hilgendorf|April 24, 2023 Water and gear lube don’t mix. Unfortunately, you […]