Two seasons ago we replaced the belt and the three driven clutch buttons (buttons were DESTROYED). We did the belt since we were in there anyway. Prior to fixing that, the machine had barely enough power to get over a few small hills but in the days leading up to that point we noticed a drop in performance.

It took more throttle to get the machine to perform the same tasks it did before.

We probably only have a couple hundred miles on this machine since that point and it is showing similar symptoms. The wife says she really has to get into the throttle to climb hills. We are talking Hatfield/McCoy green trail hills, so some decent, rocky hills, but nothing huge...

I find it hard to believe it would destroy another set of buttons already. However, I'm willing to pull the cover off and remove the rear clutch to find out.

However, there is now a grinding noise coming from the rear of the machine. It used to only happen when in reverse. Maybe grind isn't the correct word. Kinda of like a "clicking/grinding" noise. However, that noise is now constant while driving in forward gears; low or high range.

This "grinding" noise together with the loss of rear wheel power makes me think it may be something other than clutch buttons.

So if anyone has any ideas throw them at me. We have a few more days of riding and it this is something we can "gimp" by on for a few days I will, but if something requires immediate attention so we won't be towing this rig off the trail on our next ride I'd like to tackle it first thing in the morning.

At this point I will be removing the clutch cover and checking the belt and buttons at least. if it is deeper than that (i.e. silent chain) then I doubt I'll be repairing that until we get back home...

Throw the ideas at me, guys!! Thanks!!

Oh, and hope everyone enjoyed their Independence Day!!

 

If the ramps on the helix were worn and not perfectly smooth when you first change the ramp buttons it's possible it could wear out the second set of buttons quicker. The rear noise could be the "click clacking" of the drive shafts. This was a common thing. Usually did it in reverse first only,then when the cvs really began to wear the noise would be in forward and reverse. Had plenty of machines that did this. Should hold up unless you have any heavy loads on em until you have a chance to check em out. OPT