If you've spent any real-time working your device or hitting the particular trails, you know a can am defender belt change is just one particular of those unavoidable tasks that comes with the territory. It doesn't matter if you're utilizing your Defender to bring fence posts across the back forty or you're deep in the mud on the weekend ride; eventually, that CVT belt will scream with regard to some attention. You'll either smell that unmistakable scent of burnt rubber, feel a weird hesitation when you phase on the fuel, or worse, listen to the dreaded "pop" that leaves a person stranded.
The particular good news is that changing the belt on a Defender isn't several dark art that requires a master mechanic. It's really pretty straightforward when you get the cling of it, and doing it yourself will save you a ton of shop period and money. Plus, knowing how to do this in your own own garage means you'll learn how to perform it on the side of the trail if things move sideways.
Getting your workspace plus tools ready
Before you even consider touching the particular machine, you have to create sure you possess everything laid out. There is nothing more frustrating compared to having the CVT cover half-off and realizing you don't have the right socket. For a regular can am defender belt change , you're going to need a few essentials.
First, grab a 10mm socket—this is for the numerous, many bolts holding that plastic CVT cover in place. You'll also want an extension since a couple associated with those bolts are tucked back within spots that'll make you wonder what the engineers were thinking. You're also should retain the belt spreader tool that (hopefully) came in your own factory tool package. In case you lost that, a M8 times 1. 25 bolt usually does the particular trick.
Beyond the wrenches, grab some pressurized air and maybe some brake cleaner or even isopropyl alcohol. 1 thing people often forget is the Scotch-Brite pad. A person aren't just swapping a component; you're maintaining a method, and washing the clutches will be arguably more important than the belt itself.
Opening things up
First things very first, guarantee the machine is usually in park and the engine is completely cool. You don't want to be reaching around very hot exhaust pipes or clutch housings. On most Defender models, you'll need to remove the rear driver's side wheel or even at least the plastic inner fender lining to get a clear shot at the CVT cover.
Once you have access, start support out those 10mm bolts. There are quite a few of all of them, and they want to hide in the particular dirt and dirt that collects close to the housing. A little tip: keep an eye on where they come from. Sometimes they aren't all the particular same length depending on the specific year and model of your own Defender.
When the bolts are usually out, you'll possess to wiggle the particular cover off. It can be a slight jigsaw puzzle to get it past the particular frame and the particular suspension components, yet be patient. Don't go prying on it with an electric screwdriver and crack the particular plastic or wreck the gasket. When it's stuck, it's probably because of a concealed bolt or some dried mud performing like glue.
Removing the belt
Now that the clutches are looking you hard, you'll see the primary (the one closer to the engine) and the secondary (the larger one toward the back). To get the belt away, you need in order to spread the sheaves of the secondary clutch system.
Take your spreader tool—or that M8 bolt—and thread it straight into the designated gap on the supplementary clutch. As you tighten it, the particular sheaves will pull apart, creating slack in the belt. Once there's enough play, you can usually just walk the belt quickly the pulleys.
Take a good look at that old belt. Is it "hour-glassed" within one spot? Are there teeth missing? Is it glazed and shiny upon the sides? This can inform you the lot about just how you're driving. In the event that it's burnt in one spot, you probably tried to pull a large load in High gear whenever you ought to have been in Low.
The step everyone skips: Cleaning
Truthfully, this is where most individuals mess up their own can am defender belt change . They just throw the particular new belt upon and call it a day. If you do that, your new belt might just last half mainly because long as it should.
Take that compressed atmosphere and blow out there the clutches. You will be definitely shocked at the particular quantity of black dirt that flies out of there. That's all old belt material, and it's abrasive. It gets into the weight load and rollers plus makes everything sticky.
After the dust is gone, take your Scotch-Brite sleeping pad and lightly scuff the faces associated with the clutches—the components where the belt actually touches. You're looking to get rid of any rubber deposits or "glaze" therefore the new belt has a nice, clean surface to grab onto. Finish it off by cleaning the sheaves straight down with a clear cloth and some isopropyl alcohol in order to make sure there's no oil or grease left behind. Your hands are most likely dirty by today, so try not to touch the inner surfaces from the clutches or the new belt with greasy fingers.
Installing the fresh belt
Whenever you're ready to place the new one particular on, check the particular direction. Most belts have arrows upon them. If yours does, ensure they're pointing toward the particular front of the machine (the direction of rotation). When you can find no arrows, a great rule associated with thumb is to do the installation so you can browse the brand lettering on the belt.
Loop it over the main first, then function it onto the particular secondary. Once it's seated, start backing out your spreader tool. As the sheaves close back together, the belt will tighten upward. Give the secondary clutch a few spins by hand to let the belt ride as much as its natural position. It should sit slightly proud of the particular top from the supplementary clutch when it's fully seated.
Buttoning it back up
Before you decide to put the cover back again on, take the look at the rubber gasket. In case it's pinched, torn, or dry-rotted, replace it. The CVT system needs to stay dry. In case water leaks within there while you're crossing a creek, your belt is going to slip instantly, and you'll be right back where you began.
Put the cover back upon and start the bolts by hand therefore you don't cross-thread them into the soft aluminum casing. You don't require to crank these down with a good impact gun; just get them comfortable. Reinstall your fender flare or steering wheel, and you're nearly done.
The particular break-in period matters
I understand, you want to move out and see what that new belt can do, but hold your horses. A new belt needs to be "broken in" in order to seat properly against the clutches. If you go out plus pinned the accelerator immediately, you're likely to glaze the belt right away.
Ideally, you want to drive the machine for approximately 20 to 30 miles at differing speeds without placing it under weighty load. You desire to have the belt up to operating temperature and after that allow it to cool back again down completely. Performing this a couple of times (heat cycles) helps the particular belt's compounds strengthen and ensures it grips the handbags perfectly. Think of it like busting within a new pair of boots—it takes a little tolerance, but it's worthwhile in the lengthy run.
Final thoughts on maintenance
A can am defender belt change is simply area of the UTV living. If you're getting lower than 1, 500 miles out of a belt, a person might want in order to look at your own driving habits or even check if your clutches are away of alignment. Usually remember to make use of Low gear whenever you're going below 15 mph, towing, or crawling through technical terrain. This keeps the RPMs up as well as the warmth down, which is the best way to keep your belt happy.
Keep an extra belt and the particular tools to change it under your seat. Even if you're a pro at swapping them out there, it's a lot easier to perform it inside your entrance than it is in a mud pit at sunset!