Drive Belts - BOMBARDIER 1996 Ski-doo MX Z440 Handbook

Section 05 TRANSMISSION SYSTEM

DRIVE BELTS

The drive belt is the critical link in transmitting power from one "clutch" to the other. The changes
in belt technology and materials have allowed us to take for granted the kind of reliability and
efficiency that not many years ago we all only dreamed about.
One of the more important changes in drive belts has been the introduction of KevlarQ9 Fiber B to
replace fiberglass or polyester cord in the tensile layer of modern drive belts. This material is much
stronger, more flexible, and allows a better adhesive bond with the various rubber compounds
used to build a drive belt.
Another important change in drive belts is the increase in width. The extra width allows us to add
more Kevlar cords in the tensile layer for strength with today's high output sleds.
Use only the specific Bombardier drive belt listed for your application. The drive belt is a calibrated
part of the transmission system. Different belts with different compounds or angles will change
how your transmission shifts.
Drive belts can vary +/- 6 mm (1/4 in) length from belt to belt. Because of this manufacturing
tolerance, we recommend measuring your drive belts and marking their length on the outer cover.
Try to use only belts that are the same length while racing to keep your clutch set up as consistent
as possible.
Always break in a new belt by running it easy for 10-15 miles. Vary the vehicle speed and throttle
setting without going over 2/3 throttle. It is also a good idea to mark the direction of rotation on the
belt. Once the belt has been used, always run it in the same direction.
Be careful not to bend sharply or coil up these new hard compound drive belts since they are much
more prone to cracking in cold weather than earlier belts.
Proper deflection, setup, alignment, and break-in will help insure maximum performance and
longevity from the drive belt.
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