ATV Clutch Maintenance

Which kind of ride can we stop you with?

Although ATVs are considered to be a recreational vehicle, they still are motorized and so their owners must take proper care. Just as one would perform regular maintenance and repair components on a car, an ATV must be cared for with similar diligence. You must keep the engine running smooth and the brakes stopping cleanly. ATV clutches are also a component that you must monitor and repair or replace when necessary.

Owners should perform regular inspections on their ATV clutches. When doing this, have the vehicles manual with you so you can verify measurements and specifications. Once the clutch cover is off, check that you have the proper freeplay. For many vehicles this is done by pulling the cable assembly away from its perch, pull the lever, and watch the gap before the clutch is engaged by the cable. Check the manual to see how it is at optimal performance levels.

Next you'll want to examine the ATV clutch's plates. They should be a silver or aluminum color. If they are bluish it means there is heat damage and must be replaced. Also check the plates' thickness and its flatness, referring to your manual for proper conditions. Look at the springs for tightness. If you are hard on your clutch then you should be replacing these fairly often.

Next owners will want to check their ATV clutches basket. You are looking for notches which cause drag in the clutch and other problems. If there are notches then you will have to replace this. Caution, do not file down the notches as you could break the plates or end up with uneven edges and this can damage ATV clutches. You should also check for groove marks on the hub area. Again if found do not file, this is another part that needs replacement. When putting back together some mechanics recommend you use petroleum oil, not synthetic oil. Make sure it is high-quality and change it often. Once again check your owner's manual which will tell how many miles you can ride before changing the oil.

ATV clutches must be running well if you want your vehicle to perform. You do not want the vehicle to balk or get sluggish out on the course or trail. A well running ATV will have excellent shifting and back-shifting capabilities and it should be able to maintain a consistent RPM in most conditions. When running at peak you should also notice better acceleration and less overheating and belt slippage. If you use oversized tires, there are some ATV clutch recalibration kits which will help offset the loss the tires cause.

Whether owners work on their own ATV clutches or take them to professional mechanics, it is their responsibility to perform routine maintenance and regular inspections. They do not have to do the actual work if they do not feel capable, but they should know enough about their vehicle to know when it needs servicing or repairs. Keep you ATV running at peak and it will perform for you out on the trail.

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