I had my new cat out this weekend for the 3rd time and went thru some mud and water. I drained the case as recommended and rinsed it out when I got home and drained it. As expected, the clutch cover bearing went out. I can't believe that the machine couldn't handle some water and mud running. Is this going to be an on-going problem with the auto and if it is, does anyone know of a good fix to alleviate this from happening? I thought that cover was supposed to be sealed but upon closer inspection I see that it is 2 pieces and one is plastic. So much for truth in advertising from AC.

 

Where did you go? Up to Nemadji?

 

Went up to the red top trail(4 miles east of Isle) and tried to get thru the sinkhole. Didn't make it but got thru further than 2 Polaris' 400 auto's and a Yamaha Grizzly and still backed out on my own without getting winched as they did.

 

Get used to replacing the bearings or plan on snorkling your transmission vents. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img] I have replaced my bearings four times. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-mad.gif[/img]

 

I have 505 miles on my 01 500 Auto, and replaced my clutch cover bearings today. I got all back together, started it up, ran for about 15 secs and died, it is blowing the ignition fuse as soon as i turn the key. I brought in to the shop, they said they'd cover it under warranty. Any one else have any similar problems? I have also just snorkled the clutch exhaust.

 

Sorry to hear about the bearing! I noticed on their new web page that the bearing is now described as more robust. Hopefully they have cured the deficiency.

I was at Nemadji last weekend and somebody was telling me that the sink hole had been filled in and there was no more mud there. It's good to hear that it is still there.

A little mud is needed on that trail. I know that they had filled in the hole to the west of the sinkhole and the lands out there in the northwest corner. (got stuck there myself last year)

 

Looks like it's a common problem! I've blown the bearing as well, after 70 miles. My ignition fuse didn't blow, my fan fuse blew as soon as I rode it the first day. It ended up being a problem with the way the dealer installed the warn winch (can't remember if it was crossed wires or not being grounded??).

Bucksnot, you mentioned snorkeling the clutch exhaust, were you having problems with belt slipping? if so did it help and where can I get one?

in2atvn, you also mention snorkeling the transmission vents, could this be the same as the clutch exhaust Bucksnot said he had? (I'm a mechanical dimwit!)If so was your belt slipping, did it fix it and last but not least where do I get one?

One more minor problem, I blew out both light bulbs after going through some deeeeeep water. The dealer told me they aren't sealed and I should ride with them off. I checked the Minnesota DNR page and they say I should ride with them on all the time, hmmmmmmmmmmmm!!??

Good Luck!

Otis

'01 autocat
warn winch
5' plow
nothing else until I decide if I should keep it or not

 

To anyone who has replaced the Bearings on the Clutch Cover, did you do it your self or did the dealer warranty the repair? If you did it yourself, were there any special tools needed and what was the cost?

 

To replace the bearing you need #3 phillips screwdriver and a bearing puller. A cheapo one will do. The bearing cost $17.64. You pop thae blue cover off of them and relube them your self. All it takes to get the cover off is the sharp point of a pocket knife. They just snap back in place when your done. As a matter of fact, I would pregrease it before putting in a new one, just to make sure its full.

 

I've replaced my tranny cover bearings once, and did it myself. My tranny was so full of dry powdered mud that my top speed was limited to about 30 mph! The front bearing had locked up, so it took me 4 hrs. of trying to be patient and gently prying the cover off. The drive shaft had spun in the locked up bearing enough to cut some shallow grooves and ridges that held the cover on. I did get the cover off with a minimum of damage (scratches in the cover).
Be patient!! Don't try to force it! You may have left the stud concealed behind the brake pedal in... You should use waterproof grease on the bearings and in them if you pry off the bearing cover.
Gotta GO!!! A Hell of a storm just moved in and my surge protector is shot! Good Luck!
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